Filter cartridges; air cleaner assemblies; housings; features; components; and, methods

ABSTRACT

According to the present disclosure, features, components and techniques useable for providing air cleaner arrangements are provided. Many of the features relate to an axial seal arrangement provided on a filter cartridge. A typical filter cartridge, for use with these features, is a filter cartridge having opposite flow ends. Example media arrangements that fit this characterization are described. Seal arrangements provided with an axial housing sealing engagement surface are shown. A seal arrangement is provided with variations therein, to advantage. These variations can be in either or both of an outer peripheral edge surface and a housing seal engagement surface. Also, air cleaner assemblies having advantageous features therein are provided. Further, air cleaner housings are described, with selected, preferred features for engagement with filter cartridges.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/137,089,filed Apr. 25, 2016. U.S. Ser. No. 15/137,089 is a continuation of U.S.Ser. No. 14/855,860, filed Sep. 16, 2015. U.S. Ser. No. 14/855,860issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,997 and is a “bypass” continuation ofPCT/US2014/044712, filed Jun. 27, 2014 and published as WO 2014/210541on Dec. 31, 2014. The present application includes the disclosure, withedits, of U.S. Provisional 61/841,005, filed Jun. 28, 2013. A claim ofpriority is made to each of U.S. Ser. No. 15/137,089; U.S. Ser. No.14/855,860; PCT/US2014/044712 and U.S. Provisional 61/841,005, to theextent appropriate. The complete disclosures of each of U.S. Ser. No.15/137,089; U.S. Ser. No. 14/855,860; PCT/US2014/044712; and, U.S.Provisional 61/841,005 are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to filter arrangements for use infiltering air. The disclosure particularly relates to filterarrangements having opposite flow ends. More specifically, thedisclosure relates to such use of such filter arrangements and theirinclusion in serviceable air filter cartridges for use in air cleaners.Air cleaner arrangements and methods of assembly and use are alsodescribed.

BACKGROUND

Air streams can carry contaminant material therein. In many instances,it is desired to filter some or all of the contaminant material from theair stream. For example, air flow streams to engines (for examplecombustion air streams) for motorized vehicles or for power generationequipment, gas streams to gas turbine systems and air streams to variouscombustion furnaces, carry particulate contaminant therein that shouldbe filtered. It is preferred, for such systems, that selectedcontaminant material be removed from (or have its level reduced in) theair. A variety of air filter arrangements have been developed forcontaminant removal. Improvements are sought.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, features, components and techniquesuseable for providing filter assemblies, such as air cleanerarrangements, are provided. Many of the features relate to a pincharrangement having an axial seal surface provided on a filter cartridge.A typical filter cartridge, for use with these features, is a filtercartridge having opposite flow ends with media positioned to filterfluid flow in a direction between the opposite flow ends. Example mediaarrangements that fit this characterization are described.

According to the present disclosure, the seal arrangements are providedwith one or more axial housing seal engagement surfaces. The sealarrangement is typically provided with contour variations therein, toadvantage. Such variations can be in either or both of: a typically(outer) peripheral (or perimeter edge) surface; and/or, a housing axialseal engagement surface, for example a pinch seal surface.

Also according to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies havingadvantageous features therein are provided. Further, air cleanerhousings are described, with selected, preferred, features forengagement with filter cartridges.

There is no specific requirement that an air cleaner assembly, componentor feature include all of the details characterized herein, in order toobtain some benefit according to the present disclosure. Thus, thespecific examples characterized are meant to be exemplary applicationsof the techniques described, and alternatives are possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, schematic, perspective view of a first examplemedia type useable in arrangements according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, schematic, cross-sectional view of a portion ofthe media type depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 includes schematic views of examples of various fluted mediadefinitions, for media of the type of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an example process for manufacturing mediaof the type of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an optional end dart formedia flutes of the type of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a coiled filter arrangementusable in a filter cartridge according to the present disclosure, andmade with media in accord with FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a stacked media packarrangement usable in an arrangement according to the present disclosureand made with media in accord with FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow end view of a filter media pack using analternate media to the media of FIG. 1, and alternately usable in filtercartridges in accord with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a schematic opposite flow end view to the view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the media pack of FIGS. 8and 8A.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a first example filtercartridge incorporating features according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is an alternate schematic perspective view to the filtercartridge of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the filter cartridgeof FIGS. 9 and 9A depicted in association and housing arrangement toform an air cleaner.

FIG. 10A is a schematic plan view of an air cleaner assembly usingprinciples according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic wide side elevational view of the filtercartridge of FIGS. 9 and 9A.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged fragmentary, schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a schematic top plan view of a filter cartridge of FIGS. 9and 9A.

FIG. 13 is a schematic narrow side or curved end elevational view of thefilter cartridge of FIGS. 9 and 9A.

FIG. 14 is a schematic short dimension cross-sectional view of thefilter cartridge of FIGS. 9 and 9A.

FIG. 14A is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary view of a portion ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is a schematic long dimension cross-sectional view taken atright angles to the view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 15A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of a portion of FIG.15.

FIG. 16 is a second exploded perspective view of the filter cartridge ofFIGS. 9 and 9A.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a frame support component of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is a second exploded view of the filter cartridge of FIGS. 9 and9A.

FIG. 18 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view depicting anair cleaner assembly having an air filter cartridge in accord with FIGS.9 and 9A therein, when incorporated into an assembly as depicted in theexploded view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of a selected portionof FIG. 18.

FIG. 18B is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional viewdepicting the portion of the cartridge analogous to FIG. 15A, in theassembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 18C is a schematic depiction of an alternate to FIG. 18A.

FIG. 18D is a schematic depiction of an alternate to FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19 is a schematic side elevational view depicting a variation ofthe cartridge of FIG. 9A, in which a similar seal arrangement is usedbut in association with a rectangular perimeter definition.

FIG. 20 is a schematic top plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a third filter cartridgeincorporating principles according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the cartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a schematic side elevational view of the cartridge of FIG.21.

FIG. 25 is a schematic narrow or curved end elevational view of thecartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a schematic narrow dimension cross-sectional view of thecartridge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26A is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of a portion of thecartridge depicted in FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 is a second exploded perspective view of the cartridge of FIG.21.

FIG. 28 is a schematic top plan view of an alternate cartridge embodyinga seal arrangement analogous to the cartridge of FIG. 21, but in theconfiguration of a rectangular seal arrangement and media packdefinition.

FIG. 29 is a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of afilter cartridge incorporating selected principles according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a schematic top plan view of the cartridge depicted in FIG.29.

FIG. 31 is a schematic side elevational view of the cartridge depictedin FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a schematic narrow or curved end elevational view of thecartridge depicted in FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a schematic exploded view of the filter cartridge depicted inFIG. 29.

FIG. 34 is a schematic long-dimension cross-sectional view of thecartridge depicted in FIG. 29.

FIG. 35 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a selected portion of FIG.34.

FIG. 36 is a schematic top plan view depicting a sixth embodiment of afilter cartridge; the view of FIG. 36 being of a cartridge having a sealarrangement analogous to that of FIG. 29, but embodied in aconfiguration having a rectangular perimeter for the seal member and themedia pack.

FIG. 37 is a schematic perspective view of a seventh embodiment of afilter cartridge according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a schematic top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a schematic side elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a schematic narrow or curved end elevational view of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the filter cartridge of FIG.39.

FIG. 42 is a schematic long-dimension cross-sectional view of the filtercartridge of FIG. 39.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a selected portion of FIG.42.

FIG. 44 is a schematic short dimension cross-sectional view of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 39.

FIG. 44A is an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 44.

FIG. 45 is a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of a filtercartridge according to the present disclosure; the embodiment of FIG. 45including a seal arrangement having features analogous to thearrangement of FIG. 39, but depicted in an embodiment of a generallyrectangular perimeter for the seal arrangement and media pack.

FIG. 46A is a schematic, exploded, fragmentary view depicting engagementbetween a portion of a filter cartridge in accord with FIG. 9, and aportion of a housing.

FIG. 46B is a second schematic, exploded, fragmentary view depicting aportion of the cartridge in accord with FIG. 9, moving into engagementwith a portion of the housing.

FIG. 47A is an exploded, schematic, fragmentary view of a portion of acartridge in accord with FIG. 21, engaging a portion of a housing.

FIG. 47B is a second exploded, schematic, fragmentary view of a portionof a cartridge in accord with FIG. 21 engaging a portion of a housing.

FIG. 48A is an exploded, fragmentary, schematic view of a portion of acartridge in accord with FIG. 29, engaging a portion of a housing.

FIG. 48B is a second, exploded, fragmentary, schematic view of a portionof the cartridge in accord with FIG. 29 engaging a portion of thehousing.

FIG. 49A is an exploded, fragmentary, schematic view of a portion of acartridge in accord with FIG. 39, engaging a portion of a housing.

FIG. 49B is a second schematic, fragmentary, exploded view of a portionof a cartridge in accord with FIG. 39 engaging a housing.

FIG. 50 is a schematic perspective view of an alternate air cleanerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 51 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of the air cleanerassembly of FIG. 50.

FIG. 51a is a second, exploded, perspective view of the air cleanerassembly of FIG. 50.

FIG. 51b is an enlarged, fragmentary, schematic perspective view of anidentified portion of an air cleaner housing section of FIG. 51, with aportion broken away to show detail.

FIG. 52 is a schematic top plan view of the assembly of FIGS. 50 and 51.

FIG. 53 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assemblyof FIG. 50, taken generally along line 53-53, FIG. 52.

FIG. 53a is an enlarged, fragmentary, schematic, cross-sectional view ofan identified portion of FIG. 53.

FIG. 54 is a second schematic, cross-sectional view of the air cleanerassembly of FIGS. 50 and 51, taken generally along line 54-54, FIG. 52.

FIG. 54a is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view of anidentified portion of FIG. 54.

FIG. 54b is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view asecond identified portion of FIG. 54.

FIG. 54c is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view of anidentified portion of FIG. 54 a.

FIG. 55 is a schematic bottom plan view of the air cleaner assembly ofFIGS. 50 and 51.

FIG. 56 is a schematic top plan view of a housing base or bottom sectionof the air cleaner assembly of FIGS. 50 and 51.

FIG. 57 is a schematic, enlarged perspective view of a filter cartridgeusable in the assembly of FIGS. 50 and 51.

FIG. 57a is a schematic, long dimension, cross-sectional view of thecartridge of FIG. 57, taken generally along line 57 a-57 a, FIG. 58.

FIG. 57b is a schematic, short dimension, cross-sectional view takengenerally along line 57 b-57 b, FIG. 58.

FIG. 57c is a schematic short dimension cross-sectional view of acartridge of FIG. 57, taken generally along line FIG. 57c-57c , FIG. 58.

FIG. 57d is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 57 c.

FIG. 58 is a top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a schematic side elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 57; for the particular cartridge depicted in FIG. 57, an oppositeside elevational view would be the same in general appearance.

FIG. 60 is a schematic end elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 57; for the particular cartridge depicted in FIG. 57, an oppositeend elevational view to the view of FIG. 60 would generally be the same.

FIG. 61 is a schematic bottom view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 57.

FIG. 62 is a first schematic exploded perspective view of the filtercartridge of FIG. 57.

FIG. 62a is a second schematic exploded perspective view of the filtercartridge of FIG. 57.

FIG. 62b is a schematic top plan view of a shell component depicted inthe exploded view of FIG. 62.

FIG. 62c is a schematic side elevational view of the shell componentdepicted in FIG. 62 b.

FIG. 62d is a schematic end elevational view of the shell componentdepicted in FIG. 62 b.

FIG. 62e is a schematic side elevational view of a handle componentdepicted in FIG. 62.

FIG. 62f is a schematic top plan view of the handle component depictedin FIG. 62 e.

FIG. 62g is a schematic end elevational view of the handle componentdepicted in FIG. 62 e.

FIG. 62h is a schematic top plan view of a media arrangement used in thecartridge of FIG. 62.

FIG. 62i is a schematic side elevational view of the media component ofFIG. 62 h.

FIG. 63 is a schematic exploded view of a further alternate air cleanerassembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 64 is a first schematic, long-dimension cross-sectional view of theair cleaner assembly of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is the second schematic, short-dimension, cross-sectional viewof the assembly of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65a is an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 65.

FIG. 65b is an enlarged, fragmentary, schematic cross-sectional view ofa second identified portion of FIG. 65.

FIG. 66 is a schematic, perspective view of a filter cartridge used inthe assembly of FIG. 63.

FIG. 67 is a schematic side elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 66; the specific example cartridge of FIG. 66 being such that anopposite side elevational view would be similar in appearance.

FIG. 68 is a schematic, short dimension, cross-sectional view takengenerally along the line 68-68, FIG. 67.

FIG. 68a is a schematic, enlarged fragmentary view of a first identifiedportion of FIG. 68.

FIG. 68b is a schematic, enlarged, fragmentary view of a secondidentified portion of FIG. 68.

FIG. 69 is a schematic top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 66.

FIG. 69a is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of the filtercartridge of FIG. 66.

FIG. 70 is a schematic perspective view of a seal support member of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 66.

FIG. 71 is a schematic, top-plan view of the seal support member of FIG.70.

FIG. 72 is a schematic, side-elevational view of the seal support memberof FIGS. 70 and 71.

FIG. 73 is a schematic perspective view of a seal member component ofthe filter cartridge of FIG. 66.

FIG. 74 is a schematic, plan view of the seal member component of FIG.73.

FIG. 75 is a schematic, side elevational view of the seal membercomponent of FIG. 73.

FIG. 76 is a schematic top plan view of a media component of the filtercartridge of FIG. 66.

FIG. 77 is a schematic, side-elevational view of the media component ofFIG. 76.

FIG. 78 is a schematic perspective view of a further filter cartridgecomponent according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 79 is a schematic end elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 78.

FIG. 80 is a schematic side elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 78; the view being taken toward a side opposite that viewable inFIG. 78.

FIG. 80a is an enlarged fragmentary schematic view of an identifiedportion of FIG. 80.

FIG. 81 is a schematic top plan view of a filter cartridge of FIG. 78.

FIG. 81a is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view ofselected portions of the filter cartridge of FIG. 80, taken generallyalong line 81-81, FIG. 81.

FIG. 82 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of afilter cartridge according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 83 is a schematic end elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 82.

FIG. 84 is a schematic top plan view of the filter cartridge of FIG. 82.

FIG. 85 is a schematic side elevational view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 82.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Example Media Configurations, Generally A. MediaPack Arrangements Using Filter Media Having Media Ridges (Flutes)Secured to Facing Media

Fluted filter media (media having media ridges) can be used to providefluid filter constructions in a variety of manners. One well knownmanner is characterized herein as a z-filter construction. The term“z-filter construction” as used herein, is meant to refer to a type offilter construction in which individual ones of corrugated, folded orotherwise formed filter flutes are used to define sets of longitudinal,typically parallel, inlet and outlet filter flutes for fluid flowthrough the media; the fluid flowing along the length of the flutesbetween opposite inlet and outlet flow ends (or flow faces) of themedia. Some examples of z-filter media are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,820,646; 5,772,883; 5,902,364; 5,792,247; 5,895,574; 6,210,469;6,190,432; 6,350,296; 6,179,890; 6,235,195; Des. 399,944; Des. 428,128;Des. 396,098; Des. 398,046; and, Des. 437,401; each of these citedreferences being incorporated herein by reference.

One type of z-filter media, utilizes two specific media componentsjoined together, to form the media construction. The two components are:(1) a fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet, and, (2) a facing mediasheet. The facing media sheet is typically non-corrugated, however itcan be corrugated, for example perpendicularly to the flute direction asdescribed in U.S. provisional 60/543,804, filed Feb. 11, 2004, andpublished as PCT WO 05/077487 on Aug. 25, 2005, incorporated herein byreference.

The fluted (typically corrugated) media sheet and the facing media sheettogether, are used to define media having parallel inlet and outletflutes. In some instances, the fluted sheet and facing sheet are securedtogether and are then coiled to form a z-filter media construction. Sucharrangements are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,235,195 and6,179,890, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In certainother arrangements, some non-coiled sections or strips of fluted(typically corrugated) media secured to facing media, are stacked withone another, to create a filter construction. An example of this isdescribed in FIG. 11 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporated herein byreference.

Herein, strips of material comprising fluted sheet (sheet of media withridges) secured to corrugated sheet, which are then assembled intostacks to form media packs, are sometimes referred to as “single facerstrips,” “single faced strips,” or as “single facer” or “single faced”media. The terms and variants thereof, are meant to refer to a fact thatone face, i.e., a single face, of the fluted (typically corrugated)sheet is faced by the facing sheet, in each strip.

Typically, coiling of a strip of the fluted sheet/facing sheet (i.e.,single facer) combination around itself, to create a coiled media pack,is conducted with the facing sheet directed outwardly. Some techniquesfor coiling are described in U.S. provisional application 60/467,521,filed May 2, 2003 and PCT Application US 04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004,now published as WO 04/082795, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. The resulting coiled arrangement generally has, as the outersurface of the media pack, a portion of the facing sheet, as a result.

The term “corrugated” used herein to refer to structure in media, ismeant to refer to a flute structure resulting from passing the mediabetween two corrugation rollers, i.e., into a nip or bite between tworollers, each of which has surface features appropriate to causecorrugations in the resulting media. The term “corrugation” is not meantto refer to flutes that are formed by techniques not involving passageof media into a bite between corrugation rollers. However, the term“corrugated” is meant to apply even if the media is further modified ordeformed after corrugation, for example by the folding techniquesdescribed in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004, incorporatedherein by reference.

Corrugated media is a specific form of fluted media. Fluted media ismedia which has individual flutes or ridges (for example formed bycorrugating or folding) extending thereacross.

Serviceable filter element or filter cartridge configurations utilizingz-filter media are sometimes referred to as “straight through flowconfigurations” or by variants thereof. In general, in this context whatis meant is that the serviceable filter elements or cartridges generallyhave an inlet flow end (or face) and an opposite exit flow end (orface), with flow entering and exiting the filter cartridge in generallythe same straight through direction. The term “serviceable” in thiscontext is meant to refer to a media containing filter cartridge that isperiodically removed and replaced from a corresponding fluid (e.g. air)cleaner. In some instances, each of the inlet flow end (or face) andoutlet flow end (or face) will be generally flat or planar, with the twoparallel to one another. However, variations from this, for examplenon-planar faces, are possible.

A straight through flow configuration (especially for a coiled orstacked media pack) is, for example, in contrast to serviceable filtercartridges such as cylindrical pleated filter cartridges of the typeshown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778, incorporated herein by reference, inwhich the flow generally makes a substantial turn as its passes into andout of the media. That is, in a U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,778 filter, the flowenters the cylindrical filter cartridge through a cylindrical side, andthen turns to exit through an open end of the media (in forward-flowsystems). In a typical reverse-flow system, the flow enters theserviceable cylindrical cartridge through an open end of the media andthen turns to exit through a side of the cylindrical filter media. Anexample of such a reverse-flow system is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,613,992, incorporated by reference herein.

The term “z-filter media construction” and variants thereof as usedherein, without more, is meant to refer to any or all of: a web ofcorrugated or otherwise fluted media (media having media ridges) securedto (facing) media with appropriate sealing to allow for definition ofinlet and outlet flutes; and/or a media pack constructed or formed fromsuch media into a three dimensional network of inlet and outlet flutes;and/or, a filter cartridge or construction including such a media pack.

In FIG. 1, an example of media 1 useable in z-filter media constructionis shown. The media 1 is formed from a fluted, in this instancecorrugated, sheet 3 and a facing sheet 4. A construction such as media 1is referred to herein as a single facer or single faced strip.

In general, the corrugated fluted or ridged sheet 3, FIG. 1, is of atype generally characterized herein as having a regular, curved, wavepattern of flutes, ridges or corrugations 7. The term “wave pattern” inthis context, is meant to refer to a flute, ridge or corrugated patternof alternating troughs 7 b and ridges 7 a. The term “regular” in thiscontext is meant to refer to the fact that the pairs of troughs andridges (7 b, 7 a) alternate with generally the same repeatingcorrugation (flute or ridge) shape and size. (Also, typically in aregular configuration each trough 7 b is substantially an inverse ridgefor each ridge 7 a.) The term “regular” is thus meant to indicate thatthe corrugation (or flute) pattern comprises troughs (inverted ridges)and ridges with each pair (comprising an adjacent trough and ridge)repeating, without substantial modification in size and shape of thecorrugations along at least 70% of the length of the flutes. The term“substantial” in this context, refers to a modification resulting from achange in the process or form used to create the corrugated or flutedsheet, as opposed to minor variations from the fact that the media sheet3 is flexible. With respect to the characterization of a repeatingpattern, it is not meant that in any given filter construction, an equalnumber of ridges and troughs is necessarily present. The media 1 couldbe terminated, for example, between a pair comprising a ridge and atrough, or partially along a pair comprising a ridge and a trough. (Forexample, in FIG. 1 the media 1 depicted in fragmentary has eightcomplete ridges 7 a and seven complete troughs 7 b.) Also, the oppositeflute ends (ends of the troughs and ridges) may vary from one another.Such variations in ends are disregarded in these definitions, unlessspecifically stated. That is, variations in the ends of flutes areintended to be covered by the above definitions.

In the context of the characterization of a “curved” wave pattern ofcorrugations, the term “curved” is meant to refer to a corrugationpattern that is not the result of a folded or creased shape provided tothe media, but rather the apex 7 a of each ridge and the bottom 7 b ofeach trough is formed along a radiused curve. A typical radius for suchz-filter media would be at least 0.25 mm and typically would be not morethan 3 mm.

An additional characteristic of the particular regular, curved, wavepattern depicted in FIG. 1, for the corrugated sheet 3, is that atapproximately a midpoint 30 between each trough and each adjacent ridge,along most of the length of the flutes 7, is located a transition regionwhere the curvature inverts. For example, viewing back side or face 3 a,FIG. 1, trough 7 b is a concave region, and ridge 7 a is a convexregion. Of course when viewed toward front side or face 3 b, trough 7 bof side 3 a forms a ridge; and, ridge 7 a of face 3 a, forms a trough.(In some instances, region 30 can be a straight segment, instead of apoint, with curvature inverting at ends of the segment 30.)

A characteristic of the particular regular, wave pattern fluted (in thisinstance corrugated) sheet 3 shown in FIG. 1, is that the individualcorrugations, ridges or flutes are generally straight. By “straight” inthis context, it is meant that through at least 70%, typically at least80% of the length between edges 8 and 9, the ridges 7 a and troughs (orinverted ridges) 7 b do not change substantially in cross-section. Theterm “straight” in reference to corrugation pattern shown in FIG. 1, inpart distinguishes the pattern from the tapered flutes of corrugatedmedia described in FIG. 1 of WO 97/40918 and PCT Publication WO03/47722, published Jun. 12, 2003, incorporated herein by reference. Thetapered flutes of FIG. 1 of WO 97/40918, for example, would be a curvedwave pattern, but not a “regular” pattern, or a pattern of straightflutes, as the terms are used herein.

Referring to the present FIG. 1 and as referenced above, the media 1 hasfirst and second opposite edges 8 and 9. When the media 1 is formed intoa media pack, in general edge 9 will form an inlet end or face for themedia pack and edge 8 an outlet end or face, although an oppositeorientation is possible.

Adjacent edge 8 is provided a sealant bead 10, sealing the corrugatedsheet 3 and the facing sheet 4 together. Bead 10 will sometimes bereferred to as a “single facer” or “single face” bead, or by variants,since it is a bead between the corrugated sheet 3 and facing sheet 4,which forms the single facer (single faced) media strip 1. Sealant bead10 seals closed individual flutes 11 adjacent edge 8, to passage of airtherefrom (or thereto in an opposite flow).

Adjacent edge 9, is provided seal bead 14. Seal bead 14 generally closesflutes 15 to passage of unfiltered fluid therefrom (or flow therein inan opposite flow), adjacent edge 9. Bead 14 would typically be appliedas media 1 is configured into a media pack. If the media pack is madefrom a stack of strips 1, bead 14 will form a seal between a back side17 of facing sheet 4, and side 18 of the next adjacent corrugated sheet3. When the media 1 is cut in strips and stacked, instead of coiled,bead 14 is referenced as a “stacking bead.” (When bead 14 is used in acoiled arrangement formed from a long strip of media 1, it may bereferenced as a “winding bead.”)

Referring to FIG. 1, once the filter media 1 is incorporated into amedia pack, for example by stacking or coiling, it can be operated asfollows. First, air in the direction of arrows 12, would enter openflutes 11 adjacent end 9. Due to the closure at end 8, by bead 10, theair would pass through the filter media 1, for example as shown byarrows 13. It could then exit the media or media pack, by passagethrough open ends 15 a of the flutes 15, adjacent end 8 of the mediapack. Of course operation could be conducted with air flow in theopposite direction.

For the particular arrangement shown herein in FIG. 1, the parallelcorrugations 7 a, 7 b are generally straight completely across themedia, from edge 8 to edge 9. Straight flutes, ridges or corrugationscan be deformed or folded at selected locations, especially at ends.Modifications at flute ends for closure are generally disregarded in theabove definitions of “regular,” “curved” and “wave pattern.”

Z-filter constructions which do not utilize straight, regular curvedwave pattern corrugation shapes are known. For example in Yamada et al.U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,825 corrugation patterns which utilize somewhatsemicircular (in cross section) inlet flutes adjacent narrow V-shaped(with curved sides) exit flutes are shown (see FIGS. 1 and 3, of U.S.Pat. No. 5,562,825). In Matsumoto, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,326circular (in cross-section) or tubular flutes defined by one sheethaving half tubes attached to another sheet having half tubes, with flatregions between the resulting parallel, straight, flutes are shown, seeFIG. 2 of Matsumoto '326. In Ishii, et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,925,561(FIG. 1) flutes folded to have a rectangular cross section are shown, inwhich the flutes taper along their lengths. In WO 97/40918 (FIG. 1),flutes or parallel corrugations which have a curved, wave patterns (fromadjacent curved convex and concave troughs) but which taper along theirlengths (and thus are not straight) are shown. Also, in WO 97/40918flutes which have curved wave patterns, but with different sized ridgesand troughs, are shown. Also, flutes which are modified in shape toinclude various ridges are known.

In general, the filter media is a relatively flexible material,typically a non-woven fibrous material (of cellulose fibers, syntheticfibers or both) often including a resin therein, sometimes treated withadditional materials. Thus, it can be conformed or configured into thevarious corrugated patterns, without unacceptable media damage. Also, itcan be readily coiled or otherwise configured for use, again withoutunacceptable media damage. Of course, it must be of a nature such thatit will maintain the required corrugated configuration, during use.

Typically, in the corrugation process, an inelastic deformation iscaused to the media. This prevents the media from returning to itsoriginal shape. However, once the tension is released the flute orcorrugations will tend to spring back, recovering only a portion of thestretch and bending that has occurred. The facing media sheet issometimes tacked to the fluted media sheet, to inhibit this spring backin the corrugated sheet. Such tacking is shown at 20.

Also, typically, the media contains a resin. During the corrugationprocess, the media can be heated to above the glass transition point ofthe resin. When the resin then cools, it will help to maintain thefluted shapes.

The media of the corrugated (fluted) sheet 3 facing sheet 4 or both, canbe provided with a fine fiber material on one or both sides thereof, forexample in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 6,673,136, incorporated herein byreference. In some instances, when such fine fiber material is used, itmay be desirable to provide the fine fiber on the upstream side of thematerial and inside the flutes. When this occurs, air flow, duringfiltering, will typically be into the edge comprising the stacking bead.

An issue with respect to z-filter constructions relates to closing ofthe individual flute ends. Although alternatives are possible, typicallya sealant or adhesive is provided, to accomplish the closure. As isapparent from the discussion above, in typical z-filter media,especially that which uses straight flutes as opposed to tapered flutesand sealant for flute seals, large sealant surface areas (and volume) atboth the upstream end and the downstream end are needed. High qualityseals at these locations are important to proper operation of the mediastructure that results. The high sealant volume and area, creates issueswith respect to this.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 2, in which z-filter media; i.e., az-filter media construction 40, utilizing a regular, curved, wavepattern corrugated sheet 43, and a non-corrugated flat sheet 44, i.e., asingle facer strip is schematically depicted. The distance D1, betweenpoints 50 and 51, defines the extension of flat media 44 in region 52underneath a given corrugated flute 53. The length D2 of the arcuatemedia for the corrugated flute 53, over the same distance D1 is ofcourse larger than D1, due to the shape of the corrugated flute 53. Fora typical regular shaped media used in fluted filter applications, thelinear length D2 of the media 53 between points 50 and 51 will often beat least 1.2 times D1. Typically, D2 would be within a range of 1.2-2.0times D1, inclusive. One particularly convenient arrangement for airfilters has a configuration in which D2 is about 1.25-1.35×D1. Suchmedia has, for example, been used commercially in Donaldson Powercore™Z-filter arrangements. Another potentially convenient size would be onein which D2 is about 1.4-1.6 times D1. Herein the ratio D2/D1 willsometimes be characterized as the flute/flat ratio or media draw for thecorrugated media.

In the corrugated cardboard industry, various standard flutes have beendefined. For example the standard E flute, standard X flute, standard Bflute, standard C flute and standard A flute. FIG. 3, attached, incombination with Table A below provides definitions of these flutes.

Donaldson Company, Inc., (DCI) the assignee of the present disclosure,has used variations of the standard A and standard B flutes, in avariety of z-filter arrangements. These flutes are also defined in TableA and FIG. 3.

TABLE A (Flute definitions for FIG. 3) DCI A Flute: Flute/flat = 1.52:1;The Radii (R) are as follows:   R1000 = .0675 inch (1.715 mm); R1001 =.0581 inch (1.476 mm);   R1002 = .0575 inch (1.461 mm); R1003 = .0681inch (1.730 mm); DCI B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.32:1; The Radii (R) are asfollows:   R1004 = .0600 inch (1.524 mm); R1005 = .0520 inch (1.321 mm);  R1006 = .0500 inch (1.270 mm); R1007 = .0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. EFlute: Flute/flat = 1.24:1; The Radii (R) are as follows:   R1008 =.0200 inch (.508 mm); R1009 = .0300 inch (.762 mm);   R1010 = .0100 inch(.254 mm); R1011 = .0400 inch (1.016 mm); Std. X Flute: Flute/flat =1.29:1; The Radii (R) are as follows:   R1012 = .0250 inch (.635 mm);R1013 = .0150 inch (.381 mm); Std. B Flute: Flute/flat = 1.29:1; TheRadii (R) are as follows:   R1014 = .0410 inch (1.041 mm); R1015 = .0310inch (.7874 mm);   R1016 = .0310 inch (.7874 mm); Std. C Flute:Flute/flat = 1.46:1; The Radii (R) are as follows:   R1017 = .0720 inch(1.829 mm); R1018 = .0620 inch (1.575 mm); Std. A Flute: Flute/flat =1.53:1; The Radii (R) are as follows:   R1019 = .0720 inch (1.829 mm);R1020 = .0620 inch (1.575 mm).

Of course other, standard, flutes definitions from the corrugated boxindustry are known.

In general, standard flute configurations from the corrugated boxindustry can be used to define corrugation shapes or approximatecorrugation shapes for corrugated media. Comparisons above between theDCI A flute and DCI B flute, and the corrugation industry standard A andstandard B flutes, indicate some convenient variations.

It is noted that alternative flute definitions such as thosecharacterized in U.S. Ser. No. 12/215,718, filed Jun. 26, 2008; andpublished as US 2009/0127211; U.S. Ser. No. 12/012,785, filed Feb. 4,2008 and published as US 2008/0282890 and/or U.S. Ser. No. 12/537,069published as US 2010/0032365 can be used, with air cleaner features ascharacterized herein below. The complete disclosures of each of US2009/0127211, US 2008/0282890 and US 2010/0032365 are incorporatedherein by reference.

B. Manufacture of Media Pack Configurations Including the Media of FIGS.1-3, See FIGS. 4-7

In FIG. 4, one example of a manufacturing process for making a mediastrip (single facer) corresponding to strip 1, FIG. 1 is shown. Ingeneral, facing sheet 64 and the fluted (corrugated) sheet 66 havingflutes 68 are brought together to form a media web 69, with an adhesivebead located therebetween at 70. The adhesive bead 70 will form a singlefacer bead 10, FIG. 1. An optional darting process occurs at station 71to form center darted section 72 located mid-web. The z-filter media orZ-media strip 74 can be cut or slit at 75 along the bead 70 to createtwo pieces or strips 76, 77 of z-filter media 74, each of which has anedge with a strip of sealant (single facer bead) extending between thecorrugating and facing sheet. Of course, if the optional darting processis used, the edge with a strip of sealant (single facer bead) would alsohave a set of flutes darted at this location.

Techniques for conducting a process as characterized with respect toFIG. 4 are described in PCT WO 04/007054, published Jan. 22, 2004incorporated herein by reference.

Still in reference to FIG. 4, before the z-filter media 74 is putthrough the darting station 71 and eventually slit at 75, it must beformed. In the schematic shown in FIG. 4, this is done by passing asheet of filter media 92 through a pair of corrugation rollers 94, 95.In the schematic shown in FIG. 4, the sheet of filter media 92 isunrolled from a roll 96, wound around tension rollers 98, and thenpassed through a nip or bite 102 between the corrugation rollers 94, 95.The corrugation rollers 94, 95 have teeth 104 that will give the generaldesired shape of the corrugations after the flat sheet 92 passes throughthe nip 102. After passing through the nip 102, the sheet 92 becomescorrugated across the machine direction and is referenced at 66 as thecorrugated sheet. The corrugated sheet 66 is then secured to facingsheet 64. (The corrugation process may involve heating the media, insome instances.)

Still in reference to FIG. 4, the process also shows the facing sheet 64being routed to the darting process station 71. The facing sheet 64 isdepicted as being stored on a roll 106 and then directed to thecorrugated sheet 66 to form the Z-media 74. The corrugated sheet 66 andthe facing sheet 64 would typically be secured together by adhesive orby other means (for example by sonic welding).

Referring to FIG. 4, an adhesive line 70 is shown used to securecorrugated sheet 66 and facing sheet 64 together, as the sealant bead.Alternatively, the sealant bead for forming the facing bead could beapplied as shown as 70 a. If the sealant is applied at 70 a, it may bedesirable to put a gap in the corrugation roller 95, and possibly inboth corrugation rollers 94, 95, to accommodate the bead 70 a.

Of course the equipment of FIG. 4 can be modified to provide for thetack beads 20, FIG. 1, if desired.

The type of corrugation provided to the corrugated media is a matter ofchoice, and will be dictated by the corrugation or corrugation teeth ofthe corrugation rollers 94, 95. One useful corrugation pattern will be aregular curved wave pattern corrugation, of straight flutes or ridges,as defined herein above. A typical regular curved wave pattern used,would be one in which the distance D2, as defined above, in a corrugatedpattern is at least 1.2 times the distance D1 as defined above. Inexample applications, typically D2=1.25-1.35×D1, although alternativesare possible. In some instances the techniques may be applied withcurved wave patterns that are not “regular,” including, for example,ones that do not use straight flutes. Also, variations from the curvedwave patterns shown, are possible.

As described, the process shown in FIG. 4 can be used to create thecenter darted section 72. FIG. 5 shows, in cross-section, one of theflutes 68 after darting and slitting.

A fold arrangement 118 can be seen to form a darted flute 120 with fourcreases 121 a, 121 b, 121 c, 121 d. The fold arrangement 118 includes aflat first layer or portion 122 that is secured to the facing sheet 64.A second layer or portion 124 is shown pressed against the first layeror portion 122. The second layer or portion 124 is preferably formedfrom folding opposite outer ends 126, 127 of the first layer or portion122.

Still referring to FIG. 5, two of the folds or creases 121 a, 121 b willgenerally be referred to herein as “upper, inwardly directed” folds orcreases. The term “upper” in this context is meant to indicate that thecreases lie on an upper portion of the entire fold 120, when the fold120 is viewed in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term “inwardly directed”is meant to refer to the fact that the fold line or crease line of eachcrease 121 a, 121 b, is directed toward the other.

In FIG. 5, creases 121 c, 121 d, will generally be referred to herein as“lower, outwardly directed” creases. The term “lower” in this contextrefers to the fact that the creases 121 c, 121 d are not located on thetop as are creases 121 a, 121 b, in the orientation of FIG. 5. The term“outwardly directed” is meant to indicate that the fold lines of thecreases 121 c, 121 d are directed away from one another.

The terms “upper” and “lower” as used in this context are meantspecifically to refer to the fold 120, when viewed from the orientationof FIG. 5. That is, they are not meant to be otherwise indicative ofdirection when the fold 120 is oriented in an actual product for use.

Based upon these characterizations and review of FIG. 5, it can be seenthat a regular fold arrangement 118 according to FIG. 5 in thisdisclosure is one which includes at least two “upper, inwardly directed,creases.” These inwardly directed creases are unique and help provide anoverall arrangement in which the folding does not cause a significantencroachment on adjacent flutes.

A third layer or portion 128 can also be seen pressed against the secondlayer or portion 124. The third layer or portion 128 is formed byfolding from opposite inner ends 130, 131 of the third layer 128.

Another way of viewing the fold arrangement 118 is in reference to thegeometry of alternating ridges and troughs of the corrugated sheet 66.The first layer or portion 122 is formed from an inverted ridge. Thesecond layer or portion 124 corresponds to a double peak (afterinverting the ridge) that is folded toward, and in preferredarrangements, folded against the inverted ridge.

Techniques for providing the optional dart described in connection withFIG. 5, in a preferred manner, are described in PCT WO 04/007054,incorporated herein by reference. Techniques for coiling the media, withapplication of the winding bead, are described in PCT application US04/07927, filed Mar. 17, 2004 and published as WO 04/082795 andincorporated herein by reference.

Alternate approaches to darting the fluted ends closed are possible.Such approaches can involve, for example: darting which is not centeredin each flute; and, rolling, pressing or folding over the variousflutes. In general, darting involves folding or otherwise manipulatingmedia adjacent to fluted end, to accomplish a compressed, closed, state.

Techniques described herein are particularly well adapted for use inmedia packs that result from a step of coiling a single sheet comprisinga corrugated sheet/facing sheet combination, i.e., a “single facer”strip. However, they can also be made into stacked arrangements.

Coiled media or media pack arrangements can be provided with a varietyof peripheral perimeter definitions. In this context the term“peripheral, perimeter definition” and variants thereof, is meant torefer to the outside perimeter shape defined, looking at either theinlet end or the outlet end of the media or media pack. Typical shapesare circular as described in PCT WO 04/007054. Other useable shapes areobround, some examples of obround being oval shape. In general ovalshapes have opposite curved ends attached by a pair of opposite sides.In some oval shapes, the opposite sides are also curved. In other ovalshapes, sometimes called racetrack shapes, the opposite sides aregenerally straight. Racetrack shapes are described for example in PCT WO04/007054, and PCT application US 04/07927, published as WO 04/082795,each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Another way of describing the peripheral or perimeter shape is bydefining the perimeter resulting from taking a cross-section through themedia pack in a direction orthogonal to the winding access of the coil.

Opposite flow ends or flow faces of the media or media pack can beprovided with a variety of different definitions. In many arrangements,the ends or end faces are generally flat (planer) and perpendicular toone another. In other arrangements, one or both of the end faces includetapered, for example, stepped, portions which can either be defined toproject axially outwardly from an axial end of the side wall of themedia pack; or, to project axially inwardly from an end of the side wallof the media pack.

The flute seals (for example from the single facer bead, winding bead orstacking bead) can be formed from a variety of materials. In variousones of the cited and incorporated references, hot melt or polyurethaneseals are described as possible for various applications.

In FIG. 6, a coiled media pack (or coiled media) 130 constructed bycoiling a single strip of single faced media is depicted, generally. Theparticular coiled media pack depicted is an oval media pack 130 a,specifically a racetrack shaped media pack 131. The tail end of themedia, at the outside of the media pack 130 is shown at 131 x. It willbe typical to terminate that tail end along straight section of themedia pack 130 for convenience and sealing. Typically, a hot melt sealbead or seal bead is positioned along that tail end to ensure sealing.In the media pack 130, the opposite flow (end) faces are designated at132, 133. One would be an inlet flow face, the other an outlet flowface.

In FIG. 7, there is (schematically) shown a step of forming stackedz-filter media (or media pack) from strips of z-filter media, each stripbeing a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet. Referring to FIG. 6,single facer strip 200 is being shown added to a stack 201 of strips 202analogous to strip 200. Strip 200 can be cut from either of strips 76,77, FIG. 4. At 205, FIG. 6, application of a stacking bead 206 is shown,between each layer corresponding to a strip 200, 202 at an opposite edgefrom the single facer bead or seal. (Stacking can also be done with eachlayer being added to the bottom of the stack, as opposed to the top.)

Referring to FIG. 7, each strip 200, 202 has front and rear edges 207,208 and opposite side edges 209 a, 209 b. Inlet and outlet flutes of thecorrugated sheet/facing sheet combination comprising each strip 200, 202generally extend between the front and rear edges 207, 208, and parallelto side edges 209 a, 209 b.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in the media or media pack 201 being formed,opposite flow faces are indicated at 210, 211. The selection of whichone of faces 210, 211 is the inlet end face and which is the outlet endface, during filtering, is a matter of choice. In some instances thestacking bead 206 is positioned adjacent the upstream or inlet face 211;in others the opposite is true. The flow faces 210, 211, extend betweenopposite side faces 220, 221.

The stacked media configuration or pack 201 shown being formed in FIG.7, is sometimes referred to herein as a “blocked” stacked media pack.The term “blocked” in this context, is an indication that thearrangement is formed to a rectangular block in which all faces are 90°relative to all adjoining wall faces. For example, in some instances thestack can be created with each strip 200 being slightly offset fromalignment with an adjacent strip, to create a parallelogram or slantedblock shape, with the inlet face and outlet face parallel to oneanother, but not perpendicular to upper and bottom surfaces.

In some instances, the media or media pack will be referenced as havinga parallelogram shape in any cross-section, meaning that any twoopposite side faces extend generally parallel to one another.

It is noted that a blocked, stacked arrangement corresponding to FIG. 7is described in the prior art of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,646, incorporatedherein by reference. It is also noted that stacked arrangements aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,772,883; 5,792,247; U.S. Provisional60/457,255 filed Mar. 25, 2003; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,564 filed Dec.8, 2003 and published as 2004/0187689. Each of these latter referencesis incorporated herein by reference. It is noted that a stackedarrangement shown in U.S. Ser. No. 10/731,504, published as 2005/0130508is a slanted stacked arrangement.

It is also noted that, in some instances, more than one stack can beincorporated into a single media pack. Also, in some instances, thestack can be generated with one or more flow faces that have a recesstherein, for example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,625,419 incorporatedherein by reference.

C. Selected Media or Media Pack Arrangements Comprising Multiple SpacedCoils of Fluted Media; FIGS. 8-8B

Alternate types of media arrangements or packs that involve flownbetween opposite ends extending between can be used with selectedprinciples according to the present disclosure. An example of suchalternate media arrangement or pack is depicted in FIGS. 8-8B. The mediaof FIGS. 8-8B is analogous to one depicted and described in DE 20 2008017 059 U1; and as can sometimes found in arrangements available underthe mark “IQORON” from Mann & Hummel.

Referring to FIG. 8, the media or media pack is indicated generally at250. The media or media pack 250 comprises a first outer pleated(ridged) media loop 251 and a second, inner, pleated (ridged) media loop252, each with pleat tips (or ridges) extending between opposite flowends. The view of FIG. 8 is toward a media pack (flow) end 255. The end255 depicted, can be an inlet (flow) end or an outlet (flow) end,depending on selected flow direction. For many arrangements usingprinciples characterized having the media pack 250 would be configuredin a filter cartridge such that end 255 is an inlet flow end.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the outer pleated (ridged) media loop 251 isconfigured in an oval shape, though alternatives are possible. At 260, apleat end closure, for example molded in place, is depicted closing endsof the pleats or ridges 251 at media pack end 255.

Pleats, or ridges 252 (and the related pleat tips) are positionedsurrounded by and spaced from loop 251, and thus pleated media loop 252is also depicted in a somewhat oval configuration. In this instance,ends 252 e of individual pleats or ridges 252 p in a loop 252 are sealedclosed. Also, loop 252 surrounds the center 252 c that is closed by acenter strip 253 of material, typically molded-in-place.

During filtering, when end 255 is an inlet flow end, air enters gap 265between the two loops of media 251, 252. The air then flows eitherthrough loop 251 or loop 252, as it moves through the media pack 250,with filtering.

In the example depicted, loop 251 is configured slanting inwardly towardloop 252, in extension away from end 255. Also spacers 266 are shownsupporting a centering ring 267 that surrounds an end of the loop 252,for structural integrity.

In FIG. 8A, an end 256 of the cartridge 250, opposite end 255 isviewable. Here, an interior of loop 252 can be seen, surrounding an opengas flow region 270. When air is directed through cartridge 250 in ageneral direction toward end 256 and away from end 255, the portion ofthe air that passes through loop 252 will enter central region 270 andexit therefrom at end 256. Of course air that has entered media loop251, FIG. 8, during filtering would generally pass around (over) anouter perimeter 256 p of end 256.

In FIG. 8B a schematic cross sectional view of cartridge 250 isprovided. Selected identified and described features are indicated bylike reference numerals

It will be understood from a review of FIGS. 8-8B, the abovedescription, that the cartridge 250 described, is generally a cartridgewhich has media tips extending in a longitudinal direction betweenopposite flow ends 255, 256.

In the arrangement of FIGS. 8-8B, the media pack 250 is depicted with anoval, in particular racetrack, shaped perimeter. It is depicted in thismanner, since the air filter cartridges in many examples below also havean oval or racetrack shaped configuration. However, the principles canbe embodied in a variety of alternate peripheral shapes.

B. Additional Media Types

Many of the techniques characterized herein will preferably be appliedwhen the media orients for filtering between opposite flow ends of thecartridge is media having flutes or pleat tips that extend in adirection between those opposite ends. However, alternatives arepossible. The techniques characterized herein with respect to sealarrangement definition can be applied in filter cartridges that haveopposite flow ends, with media positioned to filter fluid flow betweenthose ends, even when the media does not include flutes or pleat tipsextending in a direction between those ends. The media, for example, canbe depth media, can be pleated in an alternate direction, or it can be anon-pleated material.

It is indeed the case, however, that the techniques characterized hereinare particularly advantageous for use with cartridges that arerelatively deep in extension between flow ends, and are configured forlarge loading volume during use. These types of systems will typicallybe ones in which the media is configured with pleat tips or flutesextending in a direction between opposite flow ends.

II. Selected Identified Issues with Various Air Cleaners

A. General

Air cleaner assemblies that use relatively deep filter media packs, forexample, in general accord with one or more of FIGS. 6-8B, haveproliferated. As to example actual products in the marketplace,attention is directed to the air cleaners of Donaldson Company, Inc. theAssignee of the present disclosure sold under the trade designation“Powercore;” and, also, to the products of Mann & Hummel provided underthe designation “IQORON.”

In addition, air cleaner assemblies using such media packs can beincorporated in a wide variety of original equipment (on road trucks,buses; off road construction equipment, agriculture and miningequipment, etc.) on a global basis. Service parts and servicing areprovided by a wide range of suppliers and service companies.

B. Identification of Appropriate Filter Cartridges

It is very important that the filter cartridge selected for servicing bean appropriate one for the air cleaner of concern. The air cleaner is acritical component in the overall equipment. If servicing is required tooccur more frequently than intended, the result can be added expense,downtime for the equipment involved and lost productivity. If theservicing is not done with a proper part, there may be risk of equipmentfailure or other problems.

The proper cartridge for the air cleaner of concern and equipment ofconcern, is generally a product of: product engineering/testing by theair cleaner manufacturer; and, specification/direction/testing andqualification by the equipment manufacturer and/or engine manufacturer.Servicing in the field may involve personnel selecting a part thatappears to be similar to the one previously installed, but which is notthe proper, qualified, component for the system involved.

It is desirable to provide the air cleaner assembly, regardless of mediatype, with features that will help readily identify to the serviceprovider that an effort to service the assembly is being made with aproper (or improper) filter cartridge. Features and techniques describedherein can be provided to obtain this benefit as described below.

In addition, assembly features and techniques which are advantageouswith respect to manufacture and/or filter component integrity aredescribed. These can be implemented with features and techniques of thetype relating to helping ensure that the proper cartridge is installedin an assembly, or in alternate applications.

C. Mass Air Flow Sensor Issues

In many systems, a mass air flow sensor is provided downstream from thefilter cartridge and upstream from the engine, to monitor air flowcharacteristics and contaminant characteristics. In some instances,minor modifications in media pack configuration and orientation, canlead to fluctuations in mass air flow sensor operation. It is thereforesometimes desirable to provide the air cleaner assembly with features inthe filter cartridge and air cleaner, such that variation in air flowfrom the filter cartridge is managed to a relative minimum. This canfacilitate mass air flow sensor use and operation. The features andtechniques described herein can be provided to obtain this benefit.

D. Stable Filter Cartridge Installation

In many instances, the equipment on which the air cleaner is positionedis subject to substantial vibration and shock during operation. Thetypes of media packs described above in connection with FIGS. 6-8B, areoften constructed relatively deep, i.e. with long flutes and havingdepth of extension in the air flow direction of at least 50 mm and oftenat least 80 mm more, in many instances more than 100 mm. Such deepfilter cartridges can load with substantial amounts of contaminantduring use, and gain substantially in weight. Thus, they can be subjectto significant vibration momenta during operation. It is desirable toprovide features in the filter cartridge that help ensure stablepositioning of the cartridge, avoidance of damage to the media (or mediapack) in the event of movement, and avoidance of seal failure duringsuch vibration and shock.

Similarly, the equipment may be subject to a wide variety of temperatureranges during storage and use. These can lead to expansion/contractionof materials relative to one another. It is desirable to ensure that thefilter cartridge and air cleaner are constructed in such a manner thatseal integrity is not compromised under these circumstances. Thefeatures and techniques described herein can be applied to address theseconcerns, as discussed below.

E. Summary

The features characterized herein can be used to advantage to addressone or more of the concerns described above. There is no specificrequirement that the features be implemented in a manner that maximallyaddresses all concerns. However, selected embodiments are described inwhich all of the concerns identified above are addressed to asignificant and desirable extent.

III. Example Air Cleaner and Filter Cartridge Arrangements, FIGS. 9-49BA. A First Example Embodiment, FIGS. 9-18D

Principles according to the present disclosure can be applied in a widevariety of specific arrangements to accomplish advantage in accord withthe present disclosure. This can be understood from a review of theembodiment and features of a filter cartridge and air cleaner, depictedin FIGS. 9-18D.

Referring first to FIG. 9, at 400 an air filter cartridge having generalfeatures in accord with the present disclosure is depicted. Thecartridge 400, generally, has opposite flow ends and comprises: media(i.e. a media pack) 401 oriented to filter fluid between those oppositeends; and, a seal arrangement 402.

As will be apparent from the further descriptions below, althoughalternatives are possible, the media pack 401 may be generally in accordwith media packs described above in connection with FIGS. 6-8B. In thespecific example 400 depicted, the media pack 401 has an oval perimetershape. Thus, it can be used with a media pack in accord with FIG. 6 orFIGS. 8-8B. However, the principles can even be applied in connectionwith media pack in accord with FIG. 7, provided the outer perimeter isconfigured substantially oval, for example by cutting.

Alternatively, as discussed below, the seal features of the arrangementof FIG. 9 can be applied with alternately shaped media or media packs,including, for example, circular or rectangular ones. Thus, while themedia or media pack 401 has a generally oval outer perimeter, there isno specific requirement that the perimeter definition be oval in orderto obtain some advantage in accord with the present disclosure.

The particular seal arrangement 402 depicted is of a type generallycharacterized herein as a perimeter pinch seal arrangement. The term“pinch seal arrangement” in this context is meant to refer to a sealmember that is pinched between air cleaner (housing) features, when thecartridge is assembled.

The term “perimeter” in connection with seal arrangement 402, is meantto refer to a seal arrangement that generally defines an outer mostperimeter of the cartridge 400. In this example, the perimeter sealarrangement 402 is positioned to surround the media pack 401.

For the example media pack 401 depicted, the perimeter shape definitionof the media pack 401 is of an oval shape, sometimes referred to hereinas “racetrack”, since it has two opposite straight sides 401 a, 401 band two opposite curved ends 401 c, 401 d. Alternate oval shapes, forexample elliptical, and indeed non-oval shapes can be practiced witharrangements according to the present disclosure.

The particular media pack 401 depicted has a length to width ratio ofgreater than 1. Although alternatives are possible, length to widthratios within the range of at least 1.3:1, for example, about 1.3:1 to5:1, inclusive, for example, 1.1:1 to 3.5:1, inclusive, are typical formany applications of the principles described herein. The principles canbe applied in alternate media packs, however. Indeed, they can beapplied with circular or square media packs in some instances.

The particular media pack 401 depicted has a first flow end 406(corresponding to a cartridge first flow end) and a second, opposite,flow end 407 (corresponding to the second, opposite, second cartridgeflow end). The (fluid) air during filtering is generally passed from oneflow end toward or past the other. In a typical application, end 406will be the inlet flow end and end 407 will be outlet flow end, but thealternative is possible. The media pack 401, then, is generallyconfigured such that air (fluid) cannot flow through the media from oneflow end (for example end 406) through (or past) the opposite end (forexample end 407) without passing through the media and being filtered.

Although alternatives are possible, typically, the media pack 401 willhave a dimension between the flow ends 406, 407 of at least 50 mm,typically at least 80 mm, often at least 100 mm, and in many instances150 mm or more (indeed sometimes 200 mm or more). This is a relativelydeep or long media pack. It will often be configured with flutes (orpleat tips) extending in a direction between the flow ends 406, 407. Ofcourse, this will be the case when the media is in a media pack of thetypes characterized above in connection with FIGS. 6-8B.

The seal arrangement 402 generally comprises a seal member 412 having an(outer) peripheral perimeter edge surface 413. The (outer) peripheralperimeter edge surface 413 is often not a sealing surface, in manyapplications according to the present disclosure. While it may engage asurrounding housing feature, for example, with a surface-surfacecontact, it is typically not required that it be configured to form andmaintain a seal with such a housing surface, in use. In someapplications, a seal can be provided at this location, but it istypically not preferred. This will be apparent from later discussionsherein.

The seal member 412 depicted is a resilient member that has first andsecond, opposite, pinch surfaces 414, 415, at least one of which, in theexample at least surface 415, is an axial sealing surface. Thesesurfaces are generally engaged by (between) housing components orsections in a compressive or pinch manner, providing for pinch seal whenthe cartridge 400 is installed. Typically, a selected one of thesurfaces 414, 415 (which in the example is the one 415 toward thedownstream side or end) but alternatives are possible, will beconfigured as a surface that forms a more critical housing engagement(for sealing). Although alternatives are possible, for a typicalarrangement, the seal member 412 will be positioned more toward anupstream flow end than a downstream flow end. When this is the case,surface 414 will typically be a compression surface but not,specifically, the more critical sealing surface; and, surface 415 willbe the more critical (axial) sealing surface, since it will engage thehousing at a location downstream of a joint between housing pieces.

The (outer) peripheral perimeter edge surface 413 can be provided with avariety of shapes. In the example depicted, it is generally oval, butincludes selected variations or contouring therein, discussed below. Itcan generally mimic the shape of the media or media pack, as shown, butcan also be varied substantially therefrom if desired.

In the example, the peripheral perimeter surface 413 includes anoptional but preferred member 420 of a peripheral perimeter edgeprojection/recess contour or contour arrangement 421 therein. The member420 depicted, is a recess member 420, i.e. a portion of edge surface 413that is recessed toward media pack 401 from immediately adjacentportions 413 x of surface 413. This member 420 of theprojection/receiver contour arrangement 421 can be used to help ensurethat the cartridge 400 is properly positioned in a housing, and is aproper cartridge for the housing, in manners discussed herein below.

It is noted that the cartridge 401 includes a member 420 of an optionalperipheral perimeter edge projection/receiver contour arrangement 421that comprises two recessed sections 420 a, 420 b, in the exampledepicted, oppositely positioned on seal surface 413. In the exampledepicted, regions 420 a and 420 b are mirror images of one another, butthere is no specific requirement that they be so. Indeed, in someinstances, alternate positioning, for example, to provide an asymmetrybetween opposite sides of the surface 413 can be advantageous, asdiscussed below.

Consistent with the above, the first member 420 of the optionalperipheral perimeter edge projection/recess contour arrangement 421 canbe configured such that there is only one recess member, for example at420 a and in the region opposite, there would be no projection/recessmember at all, in some applications.

It is noted that in some instances that the member 420 can be aprojection member, as opposed to a recess member; i.e., a member thatprojects outwardly away from the media pack 401 further than adjacentportions of the surface 413. In some instances, the member 420 cancomprise both a recess portion and a projection portion.

It is noted that in the example depicted, the member 420 is positionedon a straight section of edge surface 413, in overlap with one or bothof straight sides 401 a, 401 b of the media or media pack. While this istypical, in addition or alternatively, a projection/receiver member canbe located in a curved section of surface 413, for example, an overlapwith one or both of curved ends 401 c, 401 d of the media or media pack.

In the example filter cartridge 400 depicted, seal surface 415, (whichin the example is the downstream axial seal surface), is a contouredaxial housing seal surface 415 c. By the term “contoured” and variantsthereof in this context, it is meant that the surface 415 is not merelyflat in a single plane, in complete extension around the media pack 401.Rather, one or more selected portion(s) or sections along its length arevaried from merely flat, i.e. it is contoured. In FIG. 9, a contouredregion is depicted generally at 415 r.

A typical such contoured arrangement used in cartridges according to thepresent disclosure, will sometimes be referred to as a projection orprojection/recess contouring. An example is referred to as “stepped” or“step” contouring. By the term “stepped” or variants in this context, itis meant that the contour region 415 r comprises one or more steps, eachstep comprising a flat region typically substantially, i.e. generally(or nearly) parallel to adjacent flat regions, except for separation bytransition regions. In the example of FIG. 9, three example steps areindicated at 418, 419 and 422. A transition region between step 418 anda non-stepped portion of surface 415 is indicated at 425. A transitionregion between step 418 and step 419 is indicated at 426. A transitionregion between step 419 and step 422 is indicated at 427. A transitionregion between step 422 and an adjacent non-contoured portion of surface415 is indicated at 428.

With respect to the contouring, attention is directed to the sideelevation of FIG. 11, and the enlarged fragmentary view of FIG. 11a , inwhich these regions can be viewed in plan view.

Referring to FIG. 11a , typically, the transition regions 427, 428 (andalso 426, 425, not viewable in FIG. 11a , but typically mirror images of427, 428) can be defined as extending downwardly at an angle K, from anadjacent portion of surface 415 and upwardly at an angle K, L, from anadjacent portion of surface 413. Typically, the angles K, L will be atleast 5° often not greater than 90°, typically within the range of5°-85° inclusive, often within the range of 15°-75°, inclusive, usually30°-70°, inclusive and most often 30°-60°, inclusive. Preferably, theangles K, L will be 35°-85°, inclusive, more preferably 40°-80°,inclusive, most preferably 45°-75°, inclusive. This helps provide forseal engagement with an uneven housing member, as discussed below.

Referring again to FIG. 9, it is noted that each of the steps 418, 419and 422 is itself a flat and uncontoured projection. This is typical,but not required in all applications. It is also noted that for theexample cartridge 400 depicted, the steps for 418, 419 and 422 are alsolocated in alignment with region 420 a, which is a recess region. Thisis typical, but not required in all applications.

Further, it is noted that the steps 418, 419, 422 are provided along,and in overlap with, a straight side section 401 a of media pack 401.This too is typical, but not required in all applications.

In a typical application, a corresponding housing or air cleanersurface, which is sealing by engaged by surface 415, is contouredanalogously (as a mirror image) to receive contoured region 415 r. Thus,the housing surface engaged by seal surface 415 would have steppedrecesses generally as mirror images to steps 418, 419, 422 in a matingregion that aligns with the cartridge 400 between section 425 and 428.This is described further below.

Still referring to FIG. 9, it is noted that recess 420 b could beconfigured analogously to the region between sections 425-428. This isnot required, but is typical in many instances. It is noted that in someinstances asymmetry is desired instead, as discussed below.

It is noted that recessed surface 420 s of region 420 may be tapered inextension in the flow direction, i.e., be shaped to not be parallel to adirection between ends 406, 407. When such tapering is used, typicaltapering will be with at least a slight angle toward the media pack(media) in extension between upper edge 420 i and lower edge 420 j,although alternatives are possible. This is discussed further below.

Still referring to FIG. 9, attention is directed to optional, butadvantageous, handle arrangement 430. The optional handle arrangement430 comprises features positioned for convenient gripping, to manipulatethe cartridge 400, especially during removal from a housing. This isdiscussed further below. Referring to FIG. 9, the handle arrangement430, in the example depicted, comprises two handle projections 430 a,430 b: on opposite sides of the cartridge 400; positioned adjacent tosurface 414; and, projecting in a direction away from end 407 of thecartridge. Alternatives are possible.

A handle arrangement, which comprises one or more handle projectionslocated at a region not an overlap with flow face 406, will sometimes bereferred to as a “peripheral handle arrangement,” or by similar terms.By this, it is meant that the handle member is secured to the cartridgeat a location that does not substantially overlap the flow face 406 andis not surrounded by the media of the media pack 401.

In FIG. 9A, an alternate perspective view of cartridge 400 depicted.Here, the view is generally toward region 420 b. Since region 420 b isanalogous and oriented as a mirror image of region 420 a, like referencenumerals are used to indicate like seal surface features.

In FIG. 10, a schematic exploded perspective view of an air cleanerassembly 460 having a cartridge 400 therewith is depicted. The aircleaner assembly 460 would generally comprise a housing 461 havinghousing sections 462, 463 between which axial housing seal arrangement402 would be positioned, and pinched, during installation. One of thehousing sections 463 will typically be a cartridge receiver, and willinclude a receiving trough 465 therein, into which seal arrangement 402is fit during installation. A second housing member 462 would generallyinclude a pressure flange 464 oriented to apply pressure to surface 414during installation, helping to ensure that seal surface 415 is pressed,to adequately pinch seal 412 against shelf or seal surface portions oftrough 465 for sealing. Various retention mechanisms such as bolts orover center latches can be used to apply and retain the force.

Still referring to FIG. 10, it is noted that for the particular exampleair cleaner assembly 460 depicted, housing section 463 includes a sealregion outer perimeter rim 470, which will surround surface 402 andproject therefrom in the same direction as optional handle members 430a, 430 b, during installation. Thus, an advantage to handle members 430a, 430 b can be understood. That is, once housing section 462 isremoved, in the absence of an optional handle, such as provided byoptional handle members 430 a, it could be difficult to remove cartridge400 from housing section 463, due to its recessing within flange 470.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the housing section 463 also includes a sealregion inner perimeter rim 471, surrounding by rim 470 and spacedtherefrom by trough 472 which includes a seal engagement surface. Rim471 is optional, but preferred. It will typically be positioned so thata portion of the seal arrangement or member 412 will be positionedbetween rim 471 and rim 470, when the cartridge 400 is propertyinstalled. This will be understood from further detail provided below.

It is noted that the housing 462 of FIG. 10 is schematic. The housingwould typically have additional features relating to its installation,air flow inlet, air flow outlet etc., for use. With respect to this,attention is directed to FIG. 10A.

In FIG. 10A, an air cleaner arrangement or assembly 460 is shownschematically, comprising a housing 461 having first housing section 462and second housing section 463. The housing 461 includes an airflowinlet 466 a and an airflow outlet 466 b. Bolts 467 secure the housingsections 462, 463 together, and will provide a pinching force to theseal member 402, FIG. 9.

It is noted that in the depiction of FIG. 10A, the inlet 406 a is insection 462, and the outlet 466 b is in section 463. In someapplications, of the principles according to the present disclosure,both the inlet 466 a and outlet 466 b can be positioned in a singlehousing section, for example section 463, with the other section 462operating as a separable access cover and contoured to provide thesealing pressure.

Referring again to FIG. 10, along interior surface 470 i of rim 470 isprovided another member 420 x of projection/receiver arrangement 421.Member 420 x is sized to project into one of recesses 420, 420 b as thecartridge 400 is lowered into Section 403. Because the particularcartridge 400 depicted has opposite recessed members 420 a, 420 b, onthe flange inner surface 470, there would be an analogous projection (toprojection 420 x) oppositely positioned on rim 470.

It is noted, again, that the receiver 465 includes a bottom or trough472. The bottom would typically be a seal engagement surface contouredin appropriate regions where it would be engaged by contour regions 415r, FIGS. 9 and 9A, during installation. It may also include a continuousbottom rib 472 r, to facilitate the sealing.

Additional description related to engagement between the seal member 402and the seal trough 465 is discussed further below, in connection withother figures.

Additional views of the cartridge 400 are provided in FIGS. 11-13 asfollows. In FIG. 11, the side elevational view taken toward recess 420 ais provided. Like features are to ones already described are depictedand indicated by analogous reference numerals.

In FIG. 11A, as previously discussed, an enlarged fragmentary portion ofFIG. 11 is depicted.

In FIG. 12 a top plan view taken toward surface 406 is provided. In FIG.13, an end view taken toward one of the ends, in this instance end 401c, FIG. 9, is provided. Features already described are indicated by likereference numerals.

In FIGS. 14-14A, selected features of the cartridge 400 are depicted incross-sectional view. Attention is first directed to FIG. 14. Here, across-sectional view is taken through a short dimension of the cartridge400, approximately in the center, i.e. such that the cross-section linewill go through contour sections 415 r.

In FIG. 14, the media or media pack 401 is generically indicated. It isnot meant to be suggested at any particular one of the media or mediapack types described in above in connection with FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 isused. The media pack, again, has opposite flow faces 406, 407 as shown.

Still referring to FIG. 14, the particular seal arrangement 402depicted, is a supported seal arrangement 401 s. By this it is meantthat the seal member 412 comprises resilient material mounted on(typically molded-in-place) on a rigid preformed structure or sealsupport, a portion of which is indicated at 480. This will be typical inarrangements according to the present disclosure, although alternativesare possible. As will be understood from discussions below, althoughalternatives are possible, often the material 481 that forms the sealmember 412 is molded-in-place on support 480. Typically support 480 isprovided with apertures therein, so that the resin which forms sealregion 481 can flow through the apertures, creating secure engagement.This is discussed further below in connection with example constructionof cartridge 400.

Still referring to FIG. 14, it is noted that the optional handle members430 a, 430 b are also provided with handle member support(s) 482. Thehandle member support(s) 482 are portions of preformed structure, uponwhich resin that forms the handle arrangements 430 a, 430 b is moldedduring assembly. Typically, when used, the handle members support(s) 482will comprise integral portions of preform or support arrangement thatalso includes support member 480.

The filter cartridge 400 also includes an optional side protectionextension, shield, shell or sheath 485, that extends around the mediapack 401, protecting the media or media pack against damage duringhandling and installation. The optional sheath or shell 485 generallyprojects from seal arrangement 402 to end 407, and is preferably a solidand imperforate extension around the media pack 401, althoughalternatives are possible. In the example depicted, the shield, shell orprotection member 485 is integral with a support arrangement that alsoincludes support 480 and handle support 482. This will be typical whensuch an optional shield or shell is used, but alternatives are possible.The optional shell or sheath will often extend along at least 80° of anaxial length of the media (media length between opposite ends) usuallyat least 90° of this length, but alternatives are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 14, a media pack and grid or support 487 isshown extending across end 407 of the media pack 401, which in thistypical example is a downstream end 407 d. Such a grid arrangement orsupport 487 helps protect the media pack 401 from distortion in adownstream direction during use. It also facilitates cartridge assembly.Such grid work is typical, but not required. It is noted that for theexample arrangement, the grid work 487 is integral with shell or sheath485 and a remainder of structure that includes seal support 480 andhandle support 482. This is typical, but not required in all examples.

In FIG. 14, attention is now directed to a projection/recess member 490,which comprises a projection 491 that extends inwardly of the media ormedia pack 401, i.e. toward end (face) 406 from end 407; and, whichdefines an open receiver recess 492 therein for receiving a projectionon a safety cartridge or in a housing, as discussed below. Member 490 isformed integral with grid work 487 and a remainder of the support thatincludes shield 485, housing seal support 480 and handle support 482.This is typical, but not required in all instances.

In FIG. 14A, an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 14 isdepicted. The portion depicted in FIG. 14A shows features relating tohandle member 430 a and seal member 402, in a region where thecontouring 415 r and recess 420 a are shown.

Referring to FIG. 14A, it is noted that the seal member 402 in thearrangement depicted, is not only sealed in place or molded in place onseal support 480, but it also is molded in direct contact with the mediaor media pack 401, at region 401 s; and, as a result, in region 401 sthe seal member 401 secures the media pack 401 to the support 480. Thisis an advantageous construction, although alternatives are possible.

It is also noted that the example seal member 402 is molded with areceiver 402 t recess or trough between portion 402 d of the seal member402 and the media pack 401, in this instance also between portion 402 dof the seal arrangement 402 and the optional sheath 485. Receiver ortrough recess 402 t is configured to receive, projecting therein, innerrim 471 FIG. 10 of a housing, 401 doing installation. This is discussedfurther below, and can be used to help secure the cartridge 400 inplace, during installation and use.

It is noted, referring to FIG. 14A, that along surface region 402 i,adjacent trough 402 t, the seal material adjacent recess receiver 402 t,is contoured, in the example in sections 402 a, 402 b, 402 c. Ingeneral, these will engage analogously contoured positions of flange471, as discussed below.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a long dimensioncross-sectional view. Features already discussed and described areindicated by like reference numerals.

In FIG. 15A, an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 15 is shown. In FIG. 15A, the view is a cross sectional view of theseal member 402, but in a region that does not include either a recesscorresponding to recess 420 a or a contour corresponded to contourregion 415 r.

Referring to FIG. 15A, attention is directed to trough region 402 t.FIGS. 14A and 15A together are meant to indicate that trough 402 t willtypically extend completely around the media pack 401. Attention is alsodirected to radially interior surface 402 i of member 402. Here, surface402 i is contoured, having sections 402 f and 402 g. These are generallyconfigured to engage similarly contoured portions of flange 472 in thehousing, during installation, as discussed below.

In general, from a comparison of FIGS. 14, 14A, 15 and 15A, it will beunderstood that in the example arrangement depicted, the sealarrangement or member 402 extends completely around the media pack 401,with receiving trough 402 e between a portion of the seal member 402 andthe media pack 401. Further, in a typical preferred arrangement, theseal arrangement or member 402 will be sealed directly to the media (ormedia pack) 401, thereon, at region 401 s. Also, the seal arrangement402 (seal 412) can be viewed as having an outer periphery or peripheraledge 413, a first axial (pinch) surface 414, and a second axial surface415. Typically, the first surface 414 is located closer to an inlet face406 of the media pack 401, then the surface 415. Typically, the surface414 is relatively flat and featureless, although, in the arrangementdepicted it angles somewhat as it extends radially outwardly from themedia pack. The surface 415, on the other hand, is a critical (axial)sealing surface, depends from end 406 toward end 407, and is preferablycontoured in selected regions 415 r. An example contouring was discussedabove, involving multiple steps. Also, recesses in surface 413 aredescribed.

Around the media or media pack, the seal member 402 in the exampledepicted, includes, embedded, therein, a support 480, which in theexample depicted, is integral with a sheath 485.

Example dimensions and engagement with housing features are discussedfurther herein below.

Referring to FIG. 16, an exploded perspective view depicting the mediapack 401, a preformed support member 490 and molded-in-place of in placeseal member 402 is shown. The media pack 401 can be any of the mediapacks described above in connection with FIGS. 6-8B. The example mediapack depicted, is generally in accord with FIG. 6.

The seal material indicated at 402, is the material that would, in theexample, be molded-in-place on a combination of the media pack 401 andsupport 496, to provide features previously described. In FIG. 16, thesupport 490 is depicted as a unitary preform support, typically moldedfrom plastic, and including each of the following features describedabove: seal support 480; handle support 482; sheath 485; grid 487; and,receiver 490. It is noted that the seal support 480 includes a pluralityof apertures therethrough, for the through-flow of resin duringcartridge formation.

In typical assembly, the media or media pack 401 be preformed and pushedinto preformed support 496. Projection 490 would be positioned at alocation surrounded by media of the media or media pack 401. The mediapack 401 would be inserted until it abuts against grid 487. The media ormedia pack 401 will be sized, preferably, such that when that abutmentoccurs, an end of the media or media pack adjacent surface 406 willproject slightly outwardly from support 495. The combination of themedia (pack) 401 and support 495 would then be inserted in a mold havingcontours appropriate to form member 402 in place on the media (pack) 401in support 495.

In FIG. 16A, the support 495 is shown in a perspective view. Optionalhandle members 482, seal support 480 and shell 485 can be viewed. It isnoted that the handle members 482 include apertures 487 a therethrough,for the seal material to flow into, during sealing. Also, apertures 480a, in support 480, for resin flow are viable.

In FIG. 17 an alternate exploded perspective view is depicted.

While a variety of materials can be used to form the molded-in-placeinto place seal portion 412. Typically, the materials will besufficiently soft or resilient so that the contouring in surface 415 canfully engage housing features in a sealing manner. Typically a foamedpolyurethane material or similar foamed material will be used. Examplesof usable materials are ones that can be molded to an as molded density(desirable for providing seal materials), of typically no greater than450 kg/cm³, usually no greater than 355 kg/cm³ and often no greater than290 kg/cm³, for example 190-300 kg/cm³. Typically, they will be moldedto a hardness, shore A, of no greater than 40, typically no greater than30, often no greater than 22, for example 10-20. A variety of saidusable materials can be obtained from various resin suppliers.

In FIGS. 18-18B, example engagement of a cartridge 400 with a housing461 can be viewed. Referring first to FIG. 18, the cartridge 400 ispositioned within housing section 463, and housing section 462 ispositioned there over, compressing the seal arrangement 402 in place. Itis noted that the housing 463 (depicted schematically and in fragmentaryview) can include a projection extending into region 452, or a safetyelement could be provided with a handle or other projection projectinginto region 492. This can further stabilize the cartridge.

In FIG. 18A, an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view is takenthrough the assembly of FIG. 18, in the region of the seal arrangement402, where the seal member 412 is contoured. This would be through thesame region as shown in FIG. 14A.

Referring to FIG. 18A, housing 461 and be seen as comprising housingsection 462, 463. Section 463 as shown including outer flange 470 andinner flange 471, with a receiver recess 472 therein, for receipt ofhousing seal arrangement 402, when the cartridge 400 is installed.

Pressure flange 464, in particular via abutment portion 464 a, is shownpressing into seal member 412, driving it against recess 472. It isnoted that pressure flange 464 includes a rim 464 r in the exampledepicted sized and oriented bottom against a portion of flange 470, toensure proper installation. This will be a convenient, typical approach,with alternatives possible.

Referring to FIG. 18A, optional rib 472 r is shown engaged by surface415 of seal member 412, to facilitate sealing. The optional rib 472 rwill be typical, and will preferably extend continuously around receiverrecess 472.

Still referring to FIG. 18A, contouring in an interior portion 471 i toreceive and engage contoured regions of surface 402 i, FIG. 14A, areshown. Thus, as the seal member 402 is pushed downwardly, goodengagement with surface 470 i, facilitating sealing, and positioning isobtained.

On flange 470, region 420 x, projecting into the recess 420, of theperipheral surface 413 of seal member 412 in this region, is shown.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 9A and 11, it will be understood that a bottomsurface 472 b, a recess 472 will be contoured in analogous steps, forengagement. This is discussed further below, in connection with otherfigures.

In FIG. 18B, an enlarged fragmentary view analogous to FIG. 18A, buttaken through portions of the assembly where the portion of thecartridge depicted in FIG. 15A engages the housing, is shown. Analogousfeatures are depicted with similar reference numerals. Interior surface471 i of flange 471 is contoured in this region, for engagement withsurface portions of the seal member 412, FIG. 15A.

FIGS. 18C and 18D are generally analogous to FIGS. 18A and 18B, exceptthey depict a variation in which the outer peripheral surface 413 of theseal member 412 is tapered inwardly in extension from surface 414 towardsurface 415 shown by an angle TA in each figure. Other features would begenerally analogous. A typical taper at TA could be a mere draft angle,but it could be more substantial. It would typically not be greater than25°, usually not greater than 20°, but alternatives are possible.

Alternate tapering is also possible. A general teaching, provided bycomparison of FIGS. 18A and 18B, to FIGS. 18C and 18D is that theperipheral surface 413 does not need to extend parallel to the mediapack, but rather can taper inwardly or outwardly in extension.

B. A Second Example Arrangement of FIGS. 19-20

As explained above, the general features characterized herein for afilter cartridge with opposite flow ends, can be used with a widevariety of shapes and types of media packs. In FIGS. 19 and 20,variation is depicted in which the seal figuration of FIG. 9 is adaptedfor use with a media pack (media) comprising a stack of strips of media(typically a stack of single faced strips) for example in accord withthe description above for FIG. 7 and formed in a rectangular shape. Thecartridge of FIGS. 19 and 20, however, is otherwise generally analogousto the cartridge of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 19, then, cartridge 550 is depicted. The cartridge 550has media or media pack 581 with a generally rectangular perimeter, anda rectangular perimeter seal member or arrangement 552. In FIGS. 19 and20, like reference numerals to the embodiment of FIG. 9, are meant toindicate an analogously functioning features. Thus, the seal member 552includes an edge recess arrangement 420 with recess member 420 a andalso an axial contour surface 415 r.

In FIG. 20, a top plan view is provided, taken generally toward asurface 406 of the media pack 551 (or a flow end of the cartridge). Itcan be seen that the media pack (media) has a generally rectangularperimeter, and the seal member 552 is configured analogously with therectangular contour.

It is noted that the arrangement can include a support member analogousto support member 485 but with an appropriate peripheral shapeddefinition if desired.

It is also noted that the media pack (media) used in the arrangement ofFIGS. 19 and 20 could comprise coiled media in accord with FIG. 6 orFIGS. 8-8B. The coil would be formed into a somewhat rectangularpattern, and would likely have somewhat more rounded corners than shownin FIG. 20.

C. An Example Variation in the Seal Arrangement, FIGS. 21-27

In FIGS. 21-27, a filter cartridge 600 according to a second variationis depicted. Like reference numerals indicate generally analogousfeatures. A difference between the cartridge 600 and the cartridge 400,is that the cartridge 600 includes a single step on each side in theaxial housing seal arrangement surface contour region 415 r, rather thana two-step contour. In FIG. 21, the single step is shown aligned withrecess 420 a between locations 425, 428, with a step indicated at 419,and transitions at 425, 428. The cartridge 600 is otherwise generallyanalogous to cartridge 400. It is noted that the cartridge 600 isdepicted without the optional handle members 430 s, but they can beanalogously used in such an arrangement if desired.

In FIGS. 21-27, like reference numerals indicate structure as analogousfunction to those previously described.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of cartridge 600. FIG. 23 is aplan view taken toward a first flow surface 401; FIG. 24 a sideelevational view toward the long dimension; FIG. 25 a side elevationalview toward the short dimension.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view through the short dimension, and takenthrough the contour regions. It can be seen that it is generallyanalogous to FIG. 14 and like reference numerals indicate analogousparts. In FIG. 26A, an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view isprovided, analogous to FIG. 14A with analogous reference numeralsindicating analogous parts. Finally, FIG. 27 a second explodedperspective view is provided.

It will be understood that the cartridge 600 can be assembledanalogously to cartridge 400 and cartridge 550. Further, it should beunderstood that one would use a housing analogously constructed, butwith seal surface regions appropriately contoured for the seal memberdepicted.

D. The Embodiment of FIG. 28

In FIG. 28, a view of a cartridge 650 with opposite flow ends analogousto cartridge 600, but using media (or a media pack) analogous tocartridge 550 FIGS. 19-20 is depicted. It is merely an indication thatthe type of seal arranged for use in the cartridge 600 of FIGS. 21-27can be implemented with a different perimeter definition to one or bothof the media pack and the seal member.

E. Another Example Variation, FIGS. 29-35

Thus far, variations in media (pack) perimeter definition and media(pack) seal perimeter definition have been provided, along withvariations in the contour of a seal surface. In FIGS. 29-35, anadditional variation, depicted in the embodiment of cartridge 700 withopposite flow ends, is provided. Here along each side of the edge of theseal member, multiple regions or sections of contour are depicted.

Referring to FIG. 29, cartridge 700 is depicted, with features generallyanalogous to those previous described indicated by analogous referencenumerals. In FIG. 30, a top plan view is provided.

In FIG. 29, attention is directed to the fact that edge recess region420 comprise opposite regions 420 a, 420 b that each actually comprisetwo regions, 740 a, 740 b.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 31, the contour stepped region 415 r in theexample shown, along each side comprising 719 a, 719 b, spaced from oneanother. Of course, multi-step arrangements analogous to FIG. 9 couldalso be used, in the arrangement of FIG. 31.

In FIG. 32, a side elevational view taken toward the short side. In FIG.33, an exploded perspective view of cartridge 700 is provided.

In FIG. 34 a cross-sectional view taken along the long dimension isshown, and in FIG. 35 an enlarged fragmentary view is shown. It is notedthat cross-sectional views along the short dimension if taken throughthe seal member, would generally provide a fragmentary view analogous toFIG. 14A, with some variation if needed for specific contouring.

It will be understood that the cartridge of FIGS. 29-35 can beconstructed analogously to cartridge 400, FIG. 9, can be used in ananalogous housing, except with the housing feature that engage thecartridge appropriately sized, shaped and contoured for the variation inthe seal member described and depicted.

F. An Additional Variation, FIG. 36

In FIG. 36, a top plan view of cartridge 750 is depicted. Cartridge 750is meant to demonstrate a rectangular variation of the seal arrangementand perimeter for the cartridge 700 of FIGS. 29-35.

G. An Additional Variation, FIG. 37-44 a

In FIGS. 37-44A, cartridge 800, with opposite flow ends and alsoanalogous to previously described cartridges, such as cartridge 400, isdepicted. Here, the housing seal member 402 is modified, to have aplurality of edge recesses, and a plurality of single steps, shown alongeach side. The cartridge is otherwise analogous to previously depictedcartridges and can be used analogously, but with a housing arrangementappropriately configured for engagement with the depicted seal member.It can be constructed in analogous manners. In FIGS. 37-44A, numeralsindicating analogous portions to those previously described areprovided.

H. An Additional Variation, FIG. 45

In FIG. 45, a cartridge 850 having a seal member contoured somewhatanalogously to the arrangement of FIGS. 37-44A is depicted, but in theembodiment of a member having a rectangular periphery for the sealmember, and also a rectangular periphery for the media pack. Likereference numerals to those previously used, indicate analogous partsand analogously functioning features.

I. Additional Description of Engagement Between the Various SealArrangements Described, and the Housing, FIGS. 46A-49B

In FIGS. 46A-49B, fragmentary views are provided to indicate engagementbetween cartridges as described, and housing arrangement, in the contourand recess/projection regions.

FIGS. 46A and 46B are intended to depict, schematically, selectedengagement between cartridge 400 and a housing or housing portion thatwould be used therewith. Referring to FIG. 46A, a portion of the pinchseal arrangement 402 of cartridge 9 is shown. At 900, a housing portionin particular corresponding surface portion of a bottom of a seal troughhousing that will receive the pinch seal arrangement is shown, withmotion steps. Also, optional rib 472 r is shown. It can be seen that asthe cartridge 400 is pushed into the housing, each of the projectionsteps 418, 419, 422 in the cartridge seal surface 415, will engage ananalogous step and rib, in the housing 900. Also, preferred angles,discussed above, in connection with FIG. 11A, at K, L, will be betterunderstood, since they facilitate a surface engagement doing sealingbetween the cartridge seal surface 415 and the housing 900, at analogoustransition regions.

In FIG. 46B, a view is shown that indicates the recess 420 a thecartridge surface 415, engaging a projection 420 s in flange surface 470i of the housing 900, as the lowering occurs. It is noted that the innersurface 470 of the flange in the housing 900 engaged, is shown taperedoutwardly somewhat as it extends downwardly, analogously to FIG. 18C.FIGS. 46A and 46B can be considered to also analogously show theengagement for cartridge 550, FIGS. 19 and 21.

FIGS. 47A and 47B are analogous views to FIGS. 46A and 46B, exceptdepicting features of the cartridge of 600, FIGS. 21-27. Of course, itcould analogously be applied to cartridge 650, FIG. 28.

In FIGS. 48A, 48B, analogous views to FIGS. 46A and 46B are shown,except for the cartridge 700, FIGS. 30-35. Of course, it could be viewedto analogously show for the cartridge 50, FIG. 36.

In FIGS. 49A and 49B, views analogous to FIGS. 46A, 46B are shown, butfor the cartridge 800 of FIGS. 37-44A, and it could be analogously usedfor the cartridge 850 of FIG. 45.

J. Example Dimensions

In the various drawings described, example dimension and angles areindicated. Useable dimensions and angles can be varied considerably fromthose shown. However, in the various examples depicted, useabledimensions, for example, are as follows:

1. In FIG. 14A, AA=22 mm; AB=19.3 mm; AC=15.4 mm; AD=22 mm; AE=32 mm;and AF=18°.

2. In FIG. 15, AL=50 mm.

3. In FIG. 15A, AG=22 mm; AH=8 mm; AI=22 mm; AJ=9 mm; and AK=1°.

4. In FIG. 26A, AM=22 mm; AN=19.3 mm; AP=22 mm; AQ=27 mm; AO=62°; andAR=18°.

5. In FIG. 34, AF=50 mm.

6. In FIG. 35, the indicated dimensions can be analogous to the onesdepicted in FIG. 15A, with angle AV being about 60°.

7. In FIG. 42, AC=50 mm.

8. In FIG. 43, BA=22 mm; BB=19 mm; BC=22.3 mm; BD=9.2 mm; BE=82°; and,BF=90°.

9. In FIG. 44A, BG=22 mm; BH=22.3 mm; BI=9.2 mm; BJ=5.5 mm; BK=82°; and,BL=18°.

In FIG. 11A, angles are indicated at K and L. These angles can becharacterized herein as “step angles,” or “transition angles” and wouldcorrespond generally to the angle of the transition region for a step,to a plane extending through the media pack, generally perpendicular toan air flow direction through the media pack. It can also be viewed asan angle between the transition section and an adjacent step or sealsurface, when such surface portions also generally extend parallel to aplane perpendicular to flow direction. Preferably, the angle (C, K) isnot so steep that a good seal with corresponding portion of the housingcannot be obtained. Most preferably, it is sufficiently steep so is thatstep itself is significant. While potentially the angle can range fromabout 5° to 90°, inclusive, typically, the angles K, L will not begreater than about 85°. A typical, useful, range will be about 20° to80°, inclusive, for each of angles K and L, most typically about 30° to70° degrees, inclusive often 30°-60°, inclusive. Preferably the anglesare 30°-85°, inclusive; more preferably 40°-80°, inclusive; mostpreferably 45°-75°, inclusive. In some instances, the angles K, L willbe about 40° to 50°, inclusive. Often, the angles K, L will be the same.

In typical arrangements, each projection in an axial sealing surface 415(for example step or step section) will extend axially, relative toadjacent portion of the seal arrangement, at least 2 mm, usually atleast 3 mm, and often at least 4 mm, and typically not more than 8 mm.With a step member (projection) as shown in FIG. 11A, these distanceswould correspond to the axial distance between each sub-step or sub-stepprojection, for example, the axial difference between step 422 and step419; and between step 419 and 418; as well as the distance between step422 and adjacent section 413 x and between step 418 and adjacent section413 x.

Typically and preferably, each projection/recess member in a contouredportion of an axial sealing surface 415, and, each projection/recesscontour in the peripheral edge surface 413, is a “discontinuous” member.By this, it is meant that each such member does not extend continuouslyaround the entire circumferential extension, but rather, each is shortin extension peripherally.

Typically, when a molded-in-place axial pinch seal is used, theprinciples will be applied in arrangements in which a distance betweenthe opposite pinch seal engagement surfaces of the seal arrangement(indicated at 414, 415, FIG. 9, for example), whether in a steppedregion or not, is at least 5 mm, usually at least 10 mm. Also, typicallywhether in a region stepped or not, this distance is typically notgreater than 50 mm, usually not greater than 45 mm, and often themaximum thickness, for example, in a region of a projection location, iswithin the range of about 15 mm-40 mm, inclusive, although alternativesare possible.

Typically, the recess in a recess section, for example, section 420 a,FIG. 9, is recessed toward the media pack relative to adjacent portions,by at least 1 mm, usually at least 2 mm; and, typically, not more than10 mm, usually not more than 6 mm.

When a handle arrangement similar to that discussed in connection withFIGS. 9A and 9 is used, typically, its axial dimension of projection,away from adjacent portions of the cartridge, is at least 2 mm, often atleast 5 mm, sometimes at least 10 mm, and typically not more than 40 mm,although alternatives are possible.

The overall axial length of the media or media pack, between theopposite flow ends or faces, for example, faces 406, 407, FIG. 9, istypically at least 50 mm, usually at least 80 mm, in many instances is100 mm or greater, often 150 mm or greater, for example 200 mm orgreater. and indeed lengths within the range of 100 mm-450 mm,inclusive, will sometimes be used, although alternatives are possible.

In connection with the discussion of FIGS. 18C and 18D, at angle TA wasdiscussed as an optional angle of taper for the outer surface 413, FIG.9 of the pinch seal member arrangement. This was an angle from parallelto air flow and in the example was a recess angle of the outer surface413 in extension between the opposite pinch seal engagement surfaces414, 415. TA can be merely a draft angle for molding, but it can be madegreater. It will typically not be greater than about 30°, usually notgreater than about 20°, and typically at least 0.1°. Again, it is anoptional feature. Also, the taper need not be the same at all locationsaround the surface 413. Different tapers in different locations can beused as part of the interaction between the cartridge and the housing.

Referring to FIG. 14A, at 402 b, an angled section of inner surface 402i is shown. The angle is indicated by angle AF. This would be an angleof a section of the internal surface 402 i relative to a plane parallelto a direction between the opposite flow faces 406, 407 of the mediapack. The angle F will typically be at least 5° and not greater than 30°although alternatives are possible. Surfaces 402 a, 402 c can beprovided with some angle outward as well, if desired. In some instances,at least a small draft angle, for example, at least 0.1 degree, will bepresent, although alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 15A, at AK, an angle for section 402 g is shown. Typically,angle AK will be about the same as AF, FIG. 14A, in many applications.The differences between the cross section of 14A and FIG. 15A relate tothe fact that the FIG. 14A cross section is taken through the step orprojection, and the 15A cross section is taken through a region of thesealed arrangement where the is no step or projection.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 15A, it is noted that surface 414 istypically tapered to extend away from media end 406 as it extendsoutwardly from adjacent to media pack. Region 414 is an engagementsurface for a housing member, but is not typically a critical sealingsurface, as discussed herein. A typical angle for surface 414 will be atleast 2°, typically 3° to 15° inclusive, often 5° to 10°, inclusive,relative to a plane perpendicular to the flow direction between surfaces406, 407.

Typically, a portion of surface 414 will be non-contoured and completeperipheral or perimeter extension around the media pack.

Surface 415, on the other hand non-stepped regions (or regions of noprojection/recess), is often parallel to, or nearly parallel to, a planeperpendicular to the direction between surfaces 406, 407. Typically,such portions of surface 415 will be in a plane extending at an anglefrom 0° to 4°, inclusive, relative to a plane perpendicular to thedirection between the surfaces 406, 407.

The length of extension in a peripheral (perimeter) direction around themedia pack, of any given recess section, for example, section 420 a or420 b, FIG. 9, can be varied substantially. In FIG. 11, a relativelylong extension is shown. In FIG. 37, relatively short extensions (but,multiple example of them) are shown. Typically, the length peripherally,i.e., in a perimeter direction, of the recess region will be at least 8mm.

Typically, when the surface 415 includes steps, each step will have alength of extension over which it is relatively flat or straight, in aperimeter or peripheral extension relative to adjacent portion of theseal material. The length of this section will vary considerably,depending on the length of the step.

A variety of media or media pack definitions can be used. When the mediapack has a straight side section. Often that straight side section willextend over a peripheral length of extension of at least 40 mm, often 50mm or more.

In the example arrangements depicted, the seal arrangement 402(comprising seal 412) is generally positioned adjacent one of the flowends 406, 407. This is typical, but alternatives are possible.

Also, the peripheral seal 412 is generally depicted with a central planetherethrough extending generally perpendicularly to a direction betweenthe flow surfaces 406, 407. This is typical, but alternatives with acentral plane through the seal member 412 extending at an angle tosurfaces 406, 407 are possible.

Typically, even the contoured surfaces 413, 415 of the seal arrangementhave substantially flat, or relatively flat, planar sections. Often, inat least 10% of its total perimeter extension (usually at least 20%,often at least 50%) it is flat. These can comprise spaced sections.

Herein, when it is said that a projection arrangement or contour memberis “peripherally discontinuous,” or is similarly characterized, it ismeant that the features do not extend peripherally completely around themedia pack or other feature involved. Each of the depicted contourrecesses in surface 413, and projections or steps in surface 415, are“peripherally discontinuous” in this context.

III. Selected Variations and Advantages

The principles described herein can be applied in a wide variety ofapplications. It has been shown how a projection member, (for example,step member or step arrangement) can comprise a single projection, inthe axial direction, or multiple projections in an axial direction.

It has been shown that when multiple steps are used, they can bepositioned around the cartridge periphery such that they aresymmetrically positioned. That is, the cartridge can be rotated 180°around a central axis, and still align with the housing, due to symmetryof the seal arrangement and engaging portions of the housing. This maybe desirable in some instances, when it is intended that the cartridgeand housing be configured so that the cartridge can be installed ineither of two rotational orientations.

However, in some instances, it may be desirable to construct thecartridge such that it can be only installed in a single orientation.When this is the case, asymmetry can be introduced into provideinterference if an attempt is made to improperly (rotationally) installthe cartridge. For example, if: (1) the arrangement of FIG. 9 isimplemented with only the recess section 402 a, and without the recesssection 402 b or with the recess section 402 b being of different size,and/or only with the step arrangement in alignment with recess 402 a andnot in alignment with region 402 b or with the steps not being mirrorimages; and, (2) the corresponding housing of similarly configured, thecartridge can only be installed in one rotational orientation around acentral axis. This can be of particular assistance, in helping to ensurethe right cartridge is installed. Also, in some instances it can be usedto help obtain consistency of air flow from the exit ends of apopulation of cartridges, relative to any mass air flow sensor in thesystem, to lead to improved operation of the mass air flow sensorsystem.

In some arrangements described, the projection in the axial direction,(air flow direction), has generally been aligned with recess sections inthe seal arrangement. While this is typical, alternatives are possible.In some instances, for example, a peripheral recess and a seal surfacefeature can be located at a different peripheral locations (i.e.,different perimeter locations around the media pack).

In the arrangements depicted, the recess arrangement and steparrangements are shown along straight sections of the pinched sealmember of the media pack. One or more can be located along curvedsection, if desired.

In the example depicted in FIG. 10A, the housing sections 462, 463between which the pinch seal is compressed, comprise an inlet sectionand an opposite outlet section. This will be typical in manyapplications. However, as explained above, in some instances the inletand outlet can be contained in the same housing section, with thehousing configured such that an access cover can provide the pressurefor sealing without itself also carrying the air flow inlet for thehousing.

IV. Selected Additional/Alternate Embodiments and Features, FIGS. 50-85

A. General

In general, FIGS. 1-49 correspond to Figures included in U.S.Provisional 61/841,005, filed Jun. 28, 2013. The previous descriptionsof those Figures generally conform to the disclosure of U.S. Ser. No.61/841,005, although some variation in specific terminology and otherediting has been made.

Herein, in FIGS. 50-85, additional embodiments are described, whichrelate to applications of the various principles characterized in U.S.Ser. No. 61/841,005. The additional embodiments help with understanding,on a broad basis, a wide variety of the types of practices that can beimproved, using selected principles as characterized herein.

It is noted that the various principles discussed herein in connectionwith FIGS. 50-85 can be applied with the principles discussed inconnection with FIGS. 1-49. That is, various selected features of anygiven embodiment can be applied in other embodiments, or be adapted forsuch application.

B. A First Additional Air Cleaner Assembly and Components, FIGS. 50-62 i

In FIGS. 50-62 i, an example additional embodiment of an air cleanerassembly, and components therefor, is provided. In FIG. 50, aperspective view of such an air cleaner assembly 1001 is provided. Theair cleaner assembly 1001 comprises a housing 1002 with an internallyreceived, serviceable, filter cartridge 1004. By “serviceable” in itscontext, it is meant that the filter cartridge 1004 is a replaceablepart; i.e., it can be removed from housing 1002 and be refurbished or bereplaced.

Still referring to FIG. 50, in general the housing 1002 defines aninterior 1002 i in which the cartridge 1004 is removably positioned. Thehousing 1002 generally includes an air flow inlet arrangement 1005 andan air flow outlet arrangement 1006. In the example depicted, the airflow inlet arrangement 1005 and the air flow outlet arrangement 1006 aresuch that each is depicted as having a single tube structure, althoughalternatives are possible. Also, in the example depicted, the air flowinlet arrangement 1005 is a side inlet; i.e., it extends through a sideportion of the housing 1002. In contrast, outlet arrangement 1006 isshows as an end, axial, outlet arrangement. In this context, the term“axial” is generally meant to refer to a direction generallycorresponding to a direction between opposite ends of the cartridge1004; and, the term “side inlet” is meant to refer to an inlet that isgenerally directed for flow therethrough (of air) in a direction acrossthe axial direction (whether orthogonal, as shown, or at another angle).

In general terms, the term “axial” end can be used to refer to a flow ina direction between the opposite ends of the cartridge. Although theremay be some variations in the specific course of flow depending on thetype media used, the “axial” flow direction can be generallycharacterized as being from the most upstream end of the cartridge tothe most downstream end.

Alternative locations and/or flow direction alternatives for the inletarrangement 1005 and outlet arrangement 1006 are possible, with thepresent techniques.

Still referring to FIG. 50, the housing 1002 depicted includes twosections, depicted as a housing bottom (or base or bottom or basesection) 1008 and a removable access cover 1009. The access cover 1009is removably secured to the base 1008, in the example depicted by overcenter latches 1010, although alternative connectors are possible. Aswill be understood from further descriptions, the particular accesscover 1009 depicted is optionally configured to help direct air flow ina desirable manner, as the air enters the housing 1002 through inletarrangement 1005.

Still referring to FIG. 50, it is noted that the inlet arrangement 1005is positioned in the housing base 1008. Alternatives are possible. Forexample the inlet arrangement 1005 can be positioned in an alternateform of access cover.

In FIG. 51, an exploded perspective view of air cleaner assembly 1001 isdepicted. The view of FIG. 51 generally shows parts of a completed aircleaner assembly 1001, that can be readily separated from one another innormal use. Thus, access cover 1009, serviceable filter cartridge 1004and housing base 1008 are viewable.

It is noted that in FIG. 51, the assembly 1001 is depicted with nosafety or secondary filter cartridge. The principles used in air cleanerassemblies according to the present disclosure can be applied inarrangements that do have a secondary or safety filter cartridgetherein. Indeed, the seal features described can even be used on safetyfilters.

Also, referring to FIG. 51, it is noted the assembly 1001 is depictedwithout a precleaner. Precleaners of various types can be used with theprinciples of the present disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 51, and especially the housing base 1008, it isnoted that the base 1008 is depicted with an optional mounting pad 1012,by which the base 1008 (and the resulting assembly 1001) can be securedto equipment for use, leaving the access cover 1004 free for removalduring servicing. The assembly depicted is particularly convenient,since both the inlet 1005 and outlet 1006 are attached to the housingbase 1008. Thus, air ducts or tubes connected to tubes 1005 and 1006 donot have to be moved, when the access cover 1009 is removed forservicing.

Air cleaner assembly 1001 would typically be used as an engine (airintake) air filter assembly or air cleaner, for an internal combustionengine of a vehicle or other equipment. Of course, the principlescharacterized herein can be applied in a variety of alternateapplications.

Still referring to FIG. 51, the air filter cartridge 1004 has a firstand second, opposite, flow ends and comprises filter media 1015, whichhas first and second, opposite, ends (or flow faces) 1015 a 1015 b,which correspond to the cartridge flow ends with the media 1015extending therebetween. Typically, when the assembly 1001 is asdepicted, end 1015 a is an inlet flow end, for unfiltered air, and, end1015 b is an opposite outlet flow end for filtered air, although analternate flow direction is possible with principles characterizedherein.

The media 1015 is depicted schematically, and without detail. It wouldtypically comprise one of the media arrangements generally characterizedherein above, typically having media flutes (or pleat tips) extendingbetween the ends (or flow faces) 1015 a, 1015 b. Adjacent one or both ofthe ends or flow faces 1015 a, 1015 b the various flutes (or pleat tips)can be modified in shape, in accord with principles discussed above.

The particular filter cartridge 1004, depicted, comprises media 1015configured in a shape with a first long cross-dimension and a secondshort cross-dimension, perpendicular to the long dimension. This istypical, but alternatives are possible. Also, the media 1015 is depictedwith an oval outer perimeter shape. However, alternatives are possible,in accord with the above descriptions of usable media. This indicates ageneral principle, applicable with all embodiments characterized herein,i.e. alternatives are possible, including, for example, ones that arerectangular.

Referring to FIG. 51, the filter cartridge 1004 also includes housingseal arrangement 1020. The housing seal arrangement 1020 may begenerally in accord with the seal arrangements described herein above.The particular example seal arrangement 1020 depicted is discussedherein below in more detail, in connection with other Figures.

Referring to FIG. 51, for the depicted embodiment, the housing sections1008, 1009 are generally configured so that each has a portion whichwill engage housing seal arrangement 1020, during assembly, in a mannerapplying pressure axially (i.e. in the direction of flow through thehousing (and cartridge 1004) during filtering) to the seal arrangement1020, causing appropriate sealing with the housing 1002. The particularhousing seal arrangement 1020 depicted, is an axial pinch seal, which ispinched between: a pressure flange 1022 on access cover 1009; and, asealing shelf or flange 1023 on housing base 1008, during use. For theexample depicted, pressure flange 1022 extends well into housing base1008, during installation. Although, alternatives are possible, in theexample depicted, the amount of this extension for flange 1022 istypically least 50 mm, usually at least 60 mm and often within the rangeof 80-200 mm.

In general terms, and although alternatives are possible, the exampleaccess cover 1009 depicted, comprises a side wall 1009 s extendingbetween pressure flange 1022 and access cover outer end 1009 e. Theaccess cover 1009 includes an air flow passage way or aperturearrangement 1025 in (through) sidewall 1009 s, positioned for passagetherethrough of air entering from inlet 1005. Further, the depictedaccess cover 1009 includes an end flow directing vane or curvedflow-directing surface 1026, positioned to help turn lateral orside-directed air entering through aperture 1025 in a direction towardcartridge 1004, during use.

In FIG. 51a , a second perspective view of assembly 1001 is depicted. Itis noted that the over-center latches 1010 are not depicted in FIG. 51a. The same reference numerals as used in FIG. 51 are used to indicatethe same components. In FIG. 51a , the view is toward a “bottom” end ofthe components by comparison to FIG. 51, which is toward an opposite“top” end. (Of course the assembly can be oriented in use with the flowdirection being horizontal).

In FIG. 51b , an enlarged (schematic) fragmentary view is shown of aportion of the housing base 1008, identified in FIG. 51 at 51 b, withportions broken away. In particular what is viewable is a portion of thesealing shelf or sealing surface 1023 against which the housing sealarrangement 1020 is pressed during sealing. This portion is discussedfurther herein below.

In FIG. 52, a top plan view of the air cleaner assembly 1001 isprovided; the view being taken toward access cover 1009. Latches 1010can be seen securing the housing section comprising access cover 1009 tothe housing section comprising base 1008, FIG. 50, (i.e. to a remainderof the housing 1002).

In FIG. 53, a schematic (long-dimension) cross-sectional view takengenerally along line 53-53, FIG. 52 is provided. Here, the cartridge1004 can be viewed as operably (and removably) positioned within thehousing interior 1002 i. The flow directing vane or surface 1026 can beseen tapering or extending (turning) toward end 1015 a, as it extendsaway from the inlet 1005, to helping direct (turn) inlet air (from inlet1005) toward (into) end or face 1015 a of the media 1015. The particularsurface 1026 depicted is an arcuate, curved, surface, but alternativesare possible.

The air will travel axially through leaving 1002, to be filtered as itpasses through the media 1015 and exits through flow end (or face) 1015b, and eventually outlet 1006. Again, the media 1015 is depictedschematically, and any of the variety of the media arrangementscharacterized herein can be used. In FIG. 53, note the housing sealarrangement 1020 being engaged by pressure flange 1022 and being biasedagainst housing surface 1023, for sealing.

As will be understood from FIG. 53, and the previously described FIGS.50-52, for the example assembly 1001 depicted, the cartridge 1004, andthe housing 1002, have a “long cross-dimension” (or long dimension) anda “short cross-dimension” (or short dimension) Herein the term “longcross-dimension”, and variants thereof, is meant to include a dimensiongenerally corresponding to the longer internal cross-dimension(generally perpendicular to axial flow) of the housing and/or cartridge.The term “short cross-dimension”, and variations is meant to refer to across-section taken generally perpendicularly to the long dimension(usually when the media is widest in this dimension) and still generallyperpendicular to axial flow.

In FIG. 53a , an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 53 is shown. Here, housing seal arrangement 1020 can be moreclearly seen biased by pressure flange 1022 against housing shelf orsealing surface 1023 for sealing. Optional rib 1023 r, analogous to ribspreviously described herein, can be used in surface 1023 to facilitatesealing.

In FIG. 54, a short-dimension cross-sectional view taken generally alongline 54-54, FIG. 52 is shown; selected features previously characterizedherein and/or described herein below being indicated by like referencenumerals.

In FIG. 54a , an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of anidentified portion of FIG. 54 is shown. In FIG. 54a , a cross-sectionalview is taken through a contoured section of the housing sealarrangement 1020. Contoured sections are discussed further herein below.In general reference to FIG. 54a , one can see pressure flange 1022biasing housing seal arrangement 1020 against housing seal surface orshelf 1023, and also against optional rib 1023 r, in the housing base1008.

In FIG. 54b , an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view ofa second identified portion of FIG. 54 is shown. Here, the cross-sectionis taken through a non-contoured portion of section of the housing sealarrangement 1020. Here, again, pressure flange 1022 and access cover1009 can be seen biasing the housing seal arrangement 1020 axiallyagainst seal surface or shelf 1023 (and optional rib 1023 r) in thehousing base 1008.

FIG. 54c , an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion of FIG.54a is shown. Here, in enlarged fragmentary view, the optional rib 1023r on the seal surface 1023 can be seen with housing seal arrangement1022 pressed into engagement therewith, to facilitate sealing.

In FIG. 55, a bottom plan view of air cleaner assembly 1001 is provided.Here, a portion of cartridge 1004 is viewable through outlet 1006. Itcan be seen that this portion, which corresponds to end 1015 b of media1015, includes an optional grid 1016 g thereacross, discussed below.

In FIG. 56, top plan view of the housing base 1008 is provided, with nocartridge installed. Here, surface 1023 with optional rib 1023 r isshown. It is noted that surface 1023 is contoured and thus includes acontoured member of a contoured, housing, projection/recess sealingarrangement therein at 1030 a. In the example depicted, the contourmember 1030 is provided in two contoured sections 1030 a, 1030 b,although alternatives are possible. These sections are configured tosealingly mate with appropriate contoured portions of the housing sealarrangement 1020 on the cartridge 1004, as discussed further below (andas generally is in accord with the principles described previouslyherein for other embodiments).

In FIG. 57, a perspective view of cartridge 1004 is depicted. Again, thecartridge 1004 comprises media or media pack 1015 having media extendingbetween opposite ends (or flow faces) 1015 a, 1015 b. The media 1015would generally comprise one of the types of media characterized herein;typically having media ridges extending between opposite flow ends (orfaces) 1015 a, 1015 b. The media ridges may be in the form of flutes(for example: as single faced flutes or, as pleats) depending on thetype of media involved.

As discussed previously, the particular media 1015, depicted is shownwith a generally oval outer peripheral (or perimeter) shape, althoughalternatives are possible.

In FIG. 57, the cartridge 1004 is depicted with a shield, sheath orshell 1016 extending around the media 1015 in extension from sealarrangement 1620 to end 1015 b, i.e. between (or nearly completelybetween) ends 1015 a, 1015 b. Alternatives are possible, includingcartridges with no shield or a partial shield. When used, typically theshield extends over at least 80% of an axial dimension of the media,usually at least 90% of this dimension.

As indicated previously, the cartridge 1004 includes a housing sealarrangement 1020 thereon. The housing seal arrangement 1020, generally,includes the first axial seal housing engagement surface thereon. Anexample such surface is indicated generally at 1035. It is this firstaxial seal housing engagement surface 1035, which is generallyconfigured to sealingly (and advantageously) engage a selected housingsurface 1023 in use. The particular first axial seal housing engagementsurface 1035 depicted, generally includes a contoured axial seal surfacesection 1035 a, having a first member of a contoured housing engagementprojection/recess member 1035 b thereon. This member 1035 b is a contourmember configured to engage a matching or mating contoured surfaceportion of the housing, an example being indicated in FIG. 56 at 1030 b.

The particular contoured portion or section 1035 b depicted, comprises acontoured section configured as a stepped region generally analogous toones discussed herein above, and as discussed further herein below.

It is noted that the contour member 1035 a, for the arrangementdepicted, comprises two, spaced, contoured members or sections 1035 b,1035 b′ positioned along opposite sides of cartridge 1004. Although thisis typical, alternatives (for example only one contour section or morethan two) are possible.

Herein, the terms “contour”, “contoured” “contouring” and variantsthereof, when used in connection with an axial sealing surface of ahousing seal arrangement, or a corresponding axial sealing surface forengagement with a housing, is meant to refer to an axially directedcontouring positioned along a direction of extension generallyperipheral to the cartridge, i.e. in a perimeter direction. Thecontoured sections generally include non-contoured portions therein, forexample when shaped in a stepped manner as previously discussed. In someapplications, contoured section, when measured over a distance betweenwhere each contoured section starts and to where than contoured sectionends (all sections being added together) is typically relatively short,by comparison to a total extension of the surface in which it ispositioned, in peripheral extension, around the media. While this is notrequired, it is typical in many instances. Usually the contouredsections, when measured in this manner, in total comprise no more than50% of the total perimeter extension of the seal surface in which theyare positioned, usually no more than 40%, often no more than 30%, and insome instances no more than 20%.

For the example cartridge 1004, depicted, the housing seal arrangement1020 comprises an axial pinch seal arrangement or member 1020 p, similarto previously described embodiments, and having first and second,opposite (axially directed) axial surfaces 1035, 1036. In the exampledepicted, surface 1036 is generally smooth and featureless, i.e. isnon-contoured, in extension around the media 1015. This is typical foran arrangement in which surface 1035 is part of a molded-in-place memberand is a downstream and more critical sealing surface, and surface 1036(which is also part of a molded-in-place member) is engaged by theaccess cover at an upstream location, with sealing not being required orbeing as critical. Alternatives, of course, are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 57, the housing seal arrangement 1020, depicted,includes a peripheral perimeter edge or edge surface, indicated at 1020e that extends around the media 1015 at a location between surfaces1035, 1036. Peripheral perimeter edge surface 1020 e optionally includesa first member of a peripheral edge projection/recess contour therein,indicated generally at 1040. In the example depicted, the contour member1040 is a recess member 1040 r, although alternatives are possible. Theparticular recess member 1040 r, depicted, comprises two sections 1041and 1042 in perimeter edge 1020 e, although alternatives (for exampleonly one section or more than two sections) are possible.

Herein above, contouring in surface 1035 was generally characterized andcan be understood to be a form of “axial contouring.” The contouring inperimeter edge 1020 e is generally not axial, but rather is typicallyreferred to as “peripheral”, “perimeter” or “peripheral perimeter”(edge) contouring and is generally in a direction orthogonal to axialcontouring. Typically, a total length of contouring (length of contouredsection added together) in the peripheral or perimeter edge 1020 e is,in many applications, not a majority of the total extension of perimeterextension or perimeter extension at edge 1020 e, i.e. is not more than50% of that extension, usually not more than 40%, typically not morethan 30% and in some instances no more than 20%, although alternativesare possible. As with axial contouring, the dimension indication of theamount of extension of a given contoured section is meant to be adistance from where the contoured section starts, to where thatcontoured section ends, and may include, within a contoured region,sections that are, themselves, flat and not contoured.

It is noted that for the particular example depicted, axial contoursection 1035 a is axially aligned with peripheral edge projection/recess(prescribed or perimeter) contour 1040. By this it is meant that thecontour member or section 1035 a with two sections 1035 b, 1035 b′ ispositioned in the same portion of the housing seal arrangement 1020, asthe peripheral edge projection recess contour 1040 (reflected insections 1041 a and 1042, respectively). This is typical, for reasonsindicated herein, but alternatives are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 57, the cartridge 1004, depicted, includes ahandle arrangement 1050 thereon. The handle arrangement 1050, for theexample cartridge 1004 depicted, is described in detail further hereinbelow. In general, it includes a central bridge 1051 that extends over acentral portion of the media 1015 (or face 1015 a) allowing a person toget a portion of their fingers under the bridge 1051 to grasp thecartridge 1004 during servicing. Further, the particular handle 1050depicted, is positioned with a peripheral portion disposed proximate themedia (relative to the handle bridge) embedded within a portion of theperimeter housing seal arrangement 1020. This is a particularlyconvenient arrangement, when the housing seal arrangement 1020 comprisesa molded-in-place section that has the axial sealing surface 1035thereon.

In general, the type of handle arrangement 1050 depicted in the examplecartridge 1054 of FIG. 57, will sometimes be referred to herein as acenter bridge (or center bridge handle arrangement) because the handleincludes a portion 1051 (that extends over the media end or face 1015 a)under which a person can put portions of fingers. However, it is notedthat the alternate handle arraignments, for example, ones of the typecharacterized herein above in connection with other figures can be usedwith cartridges otherwise in general accord with cartridge 1004.

In the example assembly indicated, the handle arrangement 1050 ispositioned approximate the same end of the cartridge, as the housingseal arrangement. Further, the handle arrangement is configured so that,preferably, there is no portion of the handle arrangement or preformstructure on which it is positioned, located between the bridge and themedia. Further, typically, when used with the preferred techniquesherein, the handle arrangement is not attached to any structure aroundwhich the media is positioned. Indeed preferably the media (when itcomprises a fluted sheet secured to a facing sheet, and is coiled) isnot coiled around any preformed structure. Further, with typicalpreferred handle arrangements characterized herein, no portion of thehousing seal arrangement comprises a radially directed seal. Of course,alternatives to each of these are possible.

In FIG. 58, a top plan view of the cartridge 1004 is depicted. Featurespreviously characterized herein or as characterized below, are indicatedby like reference numerals.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 57a , a long-dimension cross-sectionalview taken generally along line 57 a-57 a, in FIG. 58. In FIG. 57a ,media 1015 is schematically depicted, with opposite flow ends (or flowfaces) 1015 a, 1015 b. Handle arrangement 1050 with center bridge 1051is viewable. Also viewable is the housing seal arrangement 1020 incross-section. It is noted that the cross-section of FIG. 57a is takenthrough portions of the housing seal arrangement 1020 that do notcomprise contoured regions or sections. Indeed, the regions throughwhich the cross-section is taken in FIG. 57a , are regions in alignmentwith narrow ends of the media 1015 and not the sides. Althoughcontouring can be positioned in these regions, in many applications itwill be preferred to have contouring only alongside sections (especiallyones which are straight) rather than the end sections (especially oneswhich are curved) for convenience of manufacture and assembly.

Referring to FIG. 57a it can be seen that the example cartridge 1024includes an optional sheath or shell 1016 that extends around the media1015. Further, the shell 1016 includes optional bottom grid 1016 g thatextends across, and in support of, end 1015 b of the media 1015.Further, the shell 1016 includes a peripheral (or perimeter) flange orseal support 1016 f on which the housing seal arrangement 1020 ispositioned for support. The flange 1015 f may include optional flowapertures therethrough for resin flow during formation ofmolded-in-place parts of 1020.

Still referring to FIG. 57a , it can be seen that the handle 1050includes a peripheral portion 1050 p, proximate the media, relative tothe bridge, embedded within a molded-in-place portion of the sealarrangement 1020. This will be a convenient way of securing the handle1050, when it is preformed, to the cartridge 1004 (when amolded-in-place housing seal arrangement is used).

In FIG. 57b , a schematic, cross-sectional view is shown, in thisinstance a short dimension cross-sectional view, taken generally along57 b, 57 b, FIG. 58. Here, apertures in flange 1016 f can be seen incross-section. Also referring to housing seal arrangement 1020, incontoured surface 1035 the cross-section is taken through a contouredportion 1035 a, in particular through portion 1035 b. It can be seenthat this contour portion (similarly to contoured portions characterizedherein in certain other embodiments), is a portion projecting away fromend or end surface 1015 a and toward end or end surface 1015 b.

Optional receiver recess (or trough) 1060 (in particular portion 1041)located between a portion of seal arrangement 1020 and the media 1015can be viewed. This optional receiver recess 1060 can be as generallycharacterized herein above in connection with other embodiments. It canprovide that seal arrangement 1020 will project into a trough in thehousing, when installed. This is shown in FIG. 54a , with seal 1020projecting into a housing through, if desired at surface 1023, outerhousing surface 1008 y and inner flange 1008 x.

Referring to FIG. 57b , at 1020 x, a portion of molded-in-place materialof housing seal arrangement 1020, that secures the housing sealarrangement 1020 directly to the media 1015 is shown. This also can bein accord with arrangements characterized herein above. It is noted thatin order to conveniently accommodate section 1020 x securing the housingseal arrangement 1020 directly to the media 1015, shell 1016 stops alittle short of end face 1015 a. This will be typical in manyapplications, but alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 57b , attention is directed to material from which the housingseal arrangement 1020 is molded, in the regions 1020 y. In theseregions, the resin material to be molded-in-place to form housing sealarrangement 1020 is shown having flowed through apertures in flange 1016f prior to full cure.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 57c . Here, a short-dimensioncross-section, indicated in FIG. 58 at line 57 c-57 c, is taken throughtwo portions of the housing seal arrangement 1020, neither of whichcomprises a contoured section. However, one of the contoured sections1035 b is viewable in FIG. 57, beyond where the cross-section occurs.

FIG. 57d is an enlarged fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 57c . Here, a peripheral portion of the handle arrangement 1050embedded within a molded-in-place portion of housing seal arrangement1020 is depicted. Also, portion 1020 x securing the housing sealarrangement via molded-in-place material, to the media 1015 is shown.Further, flange 1016 f, on shell 1016 can be seen. Also, receiver 1060is viewable, oriented to receive projecting therein, a portion of thehousing during assembly. This is discussed further below.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 59, in which an enlarged sideelevational view of cartridge 1004 is provided. In accord with previousdiscussions, generally media 1015 is shown surrounded by optional shieldor sheath 1016, positioned to extend media at least 80%, usually atleast 90% and sometimes completely, axially, between opposite axial flowends or faces 1015 a, 1015 b; i.e. from seal arrangement 1020 to and1015 b. Typically, again, the media 1015 would be configured to haveflutes (or pleat tips) also extending completely or nearly completelybetween the opposite cartridge ends (flow faces) 1015 a, 105 b. Themedia 1015 can be in a variety of forms, including the various onesdiscussed involving either: fluted media formed from a corrugated sheetwith a facing sheet thereon; or, multiple pleated loops. Of course, theprinciples can be applied with a stacked arrangement as generallycharacterized herein above. Indeed, other types of media can be used,but will not usually be preferred.

In general, housing seal arrangement 1020, with a first axial housingengagement surface 1035 comprising contoured axial seal or sealingsurface section 1035 a in accord with the present descriptions isprovided. In the example, housing seal arrangement 1020, again, is anaxial pinch seal 1020 p having first and second, opposite, axial housingengagement surfaces 1035, 1036, of which (for the embodiment depicted)surface 1035 is a more critical surface for sealing, since it isdownstream and toward the housing base.

Also, viewable in FIG. 59 is the handle arrangement 1050 including thecenter bridge 1051 for gripping. The center bridge, again (referring toFIG. 57) is generally positioned over a central portion of the media end1015 a.

In general terms, as previously discussed, the housing seal arrangement1020 includes a contoured axial seal surface section 1035 a having atleast a first housing engagement projection/recess member (contour) 1035b thereon. Alternately stated, first housing engagementprojection/recess member 1035 a comprises at least one contouredprojection section 1035 b. Indeed, as can be seen in FIG. 57, there aretwo housing engagement projection/recess sections 1035 b, 1035 b′ inmember 1035 a, for the example shown.

For the particular example depicted, FIG. 59, the housing engagementprojection/recess members 1035 b is a projection member, i.e. itprojects axially in a direction toward end 1015 b and away from end 1015a; or, alternatively stated, it projects axially away from surface 1036and adjacent non-contoured portions of surface 1035, in a directiontoward end 1015 b.

The particular first housing engagement projection/recess contoursection 1035 b depicted, includes (optionally) a first end step section1060, a central step section 1061 and a second end step section 1062,although alternative contouring is possible. The depicted centralsection 1061 is positioned between the first and second end stepsections 1060, 1062; and, the central step section 1061 projects towardthe flow end 1015 b from each of the first end step section 1060 andsecond end step section 1062. This can be in accord with analogousfeatures discussed herein with respect to other embodiments.

As discussed with previous arrangements, each one of the first end stepsection 1061, the second end step section 1062 and the central stepsection 1061 preferably extends, without axial contouring, therein overa peripheral length of at least 5 mm, and preferably over a peripherallength of at least 10 mm, although alternatives are possible. Often theamount of extension is within the range of 10-40 mm, inclusive, for endsections 1060, 1062 and at least 30 mm (for example 30-60 mm) for thecentral section 1061, i.e. each is within a range of 10-60 mm,inclusive.

As indicated above in connection with FIG. 57, it will be apparent fromother figures discussed with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 50-62i, the cartridge 1004 depicted is shown with a housing seal arrangement1020 that includes a second contoured section 1035 b′, which isconfigured analogously to section 1035 b. Indeed, for the exampledepicted, the housing seal arrangement 1020 is configured to optionallyhave symmetry with respect to the contoured sections, and the generalshape thereof, upon rotation 180° around a central axis extendingtherethrough from face 1015 a to face 1015 b. This symmetry, referred toherein as “rotational symmetry” or “180° rotational symmetry” is notrequired, but can be advantageous with housing seal arrangements 1020 inaccord with the present disclosure. When it is used, it can provide thatthe cartridge 1054 can be conveniently installed (when gripped) ineither of two rotational orientations.

Still referring to FIG. 59, and as discussed in connection with FIG. 57,housing seal arrangement 1020 depicted, also includes a peripheral edgesurface 1020 e having a first member 1041 of a peripheralprojection/recess (peripheral or perimeter) contour 1040 therein. In theexample depicted, this member 1040 is a recess member 1040 r, butalternatives are possible. As indicated in connection with FIG. 57, inthe example depicted, the peripheral edge surface includes two regions1041, 1042 corresponding to peripheral edge projections recess contours,spaced by non-contoured portions of edge 1020 e.

In the example depicted, and as previously described, contour 1035 b isaxially aligned with the peripheral edge projection/recess contoursection 1040. This is typical, but alternatives are possible.

As previously indicated, the particular housing seal arrangement 1020depicted is configured as an axial pinch seal member 1020 p. Typically,when a molded-in-place seal member is used, a maximum distance betweensurfaces 1035, 1036, whether in a contour or not, as characterizedherein with previous embodiments, although alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 60, an end elevational view of cartridge 1004 is depicted. Here,each of the contour sections 1035 b, 1035 b′ can be viewed. Otherfeatures previously discussed are indicated in FIG. 60 by like referencenumerals.

In FIG. 61, a bottom plan view of cartridge 1004 is provided. Hereprojections or contoured sections 1035 b, 1035 b′ are viewable. Also,from the figure one can further understand the 180° rotational symmetryof the housing seal arrangement 1020. Further, grid 1016, adjacent end1015 b of media 1015 is viewable.

In FIG. 62, an exploded view of cartridge 1004 is depicted. It is notedthat once assembled, cartridge 1004 would normally not be taken apart,or indeed be often capable of being taken apart. However, from theexploded view of FIG. 62 one can understand more fully the piececomponents or parts from which the cartridge 1004 can, in someapplications, be formed.

By the characterization in the previous paragraph, it is not meant to besuggested that cartridge arrangements cannot be used in which thefeatures of the seal arrangement are positioned on a portion separablefrom the media. Such applications are possible, but with the techniquesdescribed herein, but they would typically not be preferred.

Referring to FIG. 62, media 1015 is shown preformed in a configurationappropriate for the shape of cartridge desired. It would normally beinserted into a preform shell or sheath 1016, through open end 1016 y;the opposite end 1016 z including optional grid 1016 g, FIG. 61thereacross. One can see, in FIG. 62, flange 1016 f with aperturestherethrough. These are flow apertures for the resin that is used toform molded-in-place portions of the housing seal arrangement 1020.

After the media 1015 has been provided with the optional sheath 1016,the handle 1050 is brought against surface 1015 a. The resultingsub-assembly would be positioned in a mold appropriate for molding themolded-in-place portions 1020 m of housing seal arrangement 1020.Typically, the housing seal arrangement 1020 will be molded from a sealmaterial similar to those characterized herein above.

From a review of the above characterized process, and in the generalconfiguration of housing seal arrangement 1020, one can understand whyit is advantageous to include axial alignment between the contouredsections 1035 a or surface 1035 and edge projection/recess contoursections 1040. A reason for this is that edge recess sections 1040 makethe housing seal arrangement 1020 thinner (in cross-dimensionperpendicular to air flow) and facilitate resin volume management in themold creating the contoured projections 1035. Alternately stated, aresin volume reduction provided by recesses 1040 can be accompanied by aresin volume expansion resulting from projection sections 1035. Thiswill be typical and advantageous, but is not required in allapplications of the techniques described herein.

In more general terms, a projection member of a projection/recesscontour on a axial sealing surface can be characterized as having a flowdirection cross-dimension area of A₁. This would correspond, forexample, to the cross-sectional area depicted in FIG. 54a . In someinstances, the housing seal arrangement will also be configured so thatin a non-contoured section, the flow direction cross-dimension area (thearea visible in FIG. 54b ) would be area A₂ with a A₁ beingsubstantially similar to A₂ (in this context, substantially similarmeaning A₁=0.9-1.1 A₂). Typically, the two sections will be shaped witha cross-section area as would be A₁=0.92-1.08 A₂, preferably,A₁=0.95-1.05 A₂. Herein, the term “flow direction cross-sectional” orsimilar terms are meant to refer to a cross-section in a plane parallelto the direction between the opposite flow ends of the cartridge. A₁would be the cross-sectional area taken through a maximum portion ofprojection; and, A₂ would be a cross-sectional area taken through aportion of the seal arrangement that does not have a contour therein. Ofcourse, alternatives are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 62, a perimeter portion 1050 p of handle member1050 can be viewed, which will become embedded with the molded-in-placematerial of housing seal arrangement 1020 securing the handle 1050 andthe resulting cartridge 1004. Also, the handle 1050 includes strengthensfins 1050 extending thereacross

In FIG. 62a , a second exploded perspective view of cartridge 1004 isdepicted, in this instance, showing bottom features not viewable in FIG.61. In FIG. 62a , similar reference numerals are used to indicatesimilar features.

In FIG. 62b , a top plan view of the shell component 1016 is shown.

In FIG. 62c , a side elevational view of the shell 1016 is shown.

In FIG. 62d , an end elevational view of the shell 1016 is shown.

In FIG. 62e a side elevational view of the handle arrangement 1050 isshown.

In FIG. 62f , a top plan view of the handle arrangement 62 e is shown.

In FIG. 62g , an end elevational view of the handle arrangement 1050 isshown.

In FIG. 62h , a schematic top plan view of the media 1015 is shown.

In FIG. 62i , a side elevational view of the media 1015 is shown.

It is noted that in selected ones of FIGS. 50-62 i, example dimensionsare indicated. The dimensions are meant to indicate an example workingsystem. Of course, variations from the dimensions indicated can be used.There is specific requirement, then, that an assembly be constructed tothe dimensions or relative dimensions indicated.

Referring to these figures, the dimensions of an example working systemare as follows: in FIG. 54c , DR=2 mm; DS=2 mm; DT=3.5 mm; in FIG. 57c ,EE=200 mm; EF=278 mm; in FIG. 62b , DU=481 mm; DV=184 mm; in FIG. 62d ,DX=223 mm; in FIG. 62f , DY=481 mm; DZ=182 mm; in FIG. 62h , EB=457 mm;EC=160 mm; and, in FIG. 62i , ED=225 mm.

Attention is now directed back to FIG. 53a . Here, a portion orperimeter ridge projection 1008 x on the housing base 1008 can be seenprojecting into optional receiver recess 1060 located between a portionof housing seal arrangement 1060 and the media 1015. Typically, thisridge 1008 x would be continuous in extension around the media 1015, aswill recess 1040, although alternatives are possible.

It is noted that the housing may include an optional portion thatprojects into a perimeter recess 1040 r in a perimeter edge contouredportion 1040. This can be as discussed above for other embodiments. Anexample of this, for the embodiment of FIGS. 50-62 i can be understoodby reference to FIG. 54a , where housing section 1008 y is shownprojecting peripherally into a portion of recess 1040 r.

It is noted that, when used, the peripheral perimeter recesses 1040 rmay be slanted in extension between opposite ends, for exampleanalogously to those discussed above in connection with other figures.

In the example assembly of FIGS. 50-62 i, pressure against the housingseal member was provided by the access cover having a pressure flangeengaging the peripheral seal arrangement. Alternatively, the accesscover can push on alternate portions of the cartridge, for example on ahandle member with the pressure distributed to the perimeter.

It is noted that in the example depicted, the housing includes nofeature that interacts with the handle member. However, the housingaccess could be provided with a member that engages the handle member(to apply pressure or to otherwise stabilize the assembly).

In the example characterized, various features are characterized ascomprising a preform rigid member, for example a shell and supportflange, and also a handle member. These portions can be molded from aplastic, such as a polypropylene or nylon plastic, although alternativesare possible.

It is noted that the housing seal arrangements for the embodiment ofFIGS. 50-62 i generally include a contour arrangement that is“discontinuous” in extension and around the media. Also, the optionalperipheral perimeter edge contouring is discontinuous in extensionaround the media. In each case, this is typical with applicationsaccording to the present disclosure.

C. Usable Variations and Principles Involving Use of a Flexible LipMember on the Housing Seal Arrangement; and, Selected Alternatives andExample Features, FIGS. 63-77

Herein above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 50-62 i, ahousing seal arrangement 1020 was characterized and depicted which, inthe specific example shown, comprised a pinch seal member 1020 p pinchedin engagement with, and between, pressure flanges on separable housingsections during installation. Further, the specific example housing sealarrangement 1020 depicted, was not a preform, but rather was amolded-in-place member, generated during formation of the resultingcartridge 1004. Alternatives to each (or both) of these are possible.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 63-77 an air cleaner assembly and featuresare depicted, which indicate how the principles characterized herein canbe applied when the housing seal arrangement is a flexible lip, forexample formed as part of a preformed gasket. It will be understood thatthese principles can be applied with many of the general featurescharacterized herein above, and/or with various variations of mediaconfigurations of the type characterized herein.

In FIG. 63, an exploded perspective view of an air cleaner assembly 1101is provided. The air cleaner assembly 1101 is depicted such that theparts viewed would normally be separable parts in use. It is noted thatno safety or secondary filter cartridge is depicted, but one could beused with the assembly in accord with the techniques characterized.(Indeed, a safety cartridge can even be provided with seal features ascharacterized herein). Also, although no precleaner is depicted, aprecleaner could be used with the principles characterized herein inconnection with air cleaner assembly 1101. The air cleaner assembly 1101depicted generally comprises a housing 1102 with an internally received,serviceable, filter cartridge 1104.

The housing 1102, generally, includes an air flow inlet arrangement 1105and an air flow outlet arrangement 1106. In the example depicted, theair flow inlet arrangement 1105 and the air flow outlet arrangement 1106are each depicted as having a single tube structure, althoughalternatives are possible. As with the arrangement of FIG. 50, the airflow inlet arrangement 1105 is depicted as a side inlet, and the outletarrangement 1106 as an end axial outlet arrangement. This is typical,but variations are possible.

Referring to FIG. 63, in general the housing 1102 includes two sections,depicted as a housing base section 1108 and a removable access cover1109. The access cover 1109 is shown removably securable to the base1108 by over center latches 1110, although alternative connectors arepossible. As with the arrangement of FIG. 50, the access cover 1109 isconfigured to help direct air flow in a desirable manner, as the airenters the housing through the inlet arrangement 1105.

Still referring to FIG. 63, it is noted that the inlet arrangement 1105is positioned on the housing base 1108. Alternatives are possible, forexample, the inlet arrangement 1105 can be positioned on an accesscover.

Still referring to FIG. 63, and especially to the housing base 1108, itis noted that the base 1108 depicted, can be very similar to the base1108 previously discussed. This is not required, but a nearly identicalbase is used as the example. Thus, the base 1108 includes a mounting pad1112 by which the base 1108 (and the resulting assembly 1101) can besecured to equipment for use.

Still referring to FIG. 63, the air filter cartridge 1104 comprisesfilter media 1115 which extends between first and second, opposite, flowends 1115 a, 1115 b. As with the arrangement of FIG. 50, when theassembly 1101 is as depicted, end 1115 a is an inlet flow end (or face)for unfiltered air and end 1115 b is an outlet flow end (or face) forfiltered air, although an alternate flow direction is possible withprinciples characterized herein.

As with the embodiment of FIGS. 50-62 i, the media 1115 is depictedschematically and without detail. It would typically comprise one of themedia arrangements generally characterized as herein above, typicallyhaving media pleat tips or flutes, extending between the flow ends (orfaces) 1015 a, 1015 b, which correspond to opposite flow ends of thecartridge. Also, adjacent one or both of the faces 1015 a, 1015 b, thevarious flutes or pleats can be modified in shape, in accord with theprinciples discussed above.

As with the arrangements of FIGS. 60-62 i, a particular filter cartridge1104 depicted, comprises media 1115 configured in a shape with a longcross-dimension and a short cross-dimension (each perpendicular to anaxial direction). This is typical, but again alternatives are possible.Also, the media 1115 is depicted with an oval outer perimeter shape, butalternatives are possible, including ones, for example, that arerectangular. This is generally as described herein above for otherembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 63, the filter cartridge 1104 also includes a housingseal arrangement 1120. The particular housing seal arrangement 1120depicted is discussed herein below in more detail, in connection withother figures.

Referring to FIG. 63, for the depicted embodiment, the housing sections1108, 1109 are generally configured so that each has a portion whichwill engage the housing seal arrangement 1120, during assembly, in amanner of applying pressure axially (i.e. in a direction of flow throughthe cartridge 1104 during filtering) to the seal arrangement 1120,causing appropriate sealing with the housing 1108. The particularhousing seal arrangement 1120 depicted, then, is an axial (pinch) sealassembly or seal. The axial seal arrangement 1120 in installation, iscompressed or pinched between: pressure flange 1122 on an access cover1109; and, a sealing shelf or flange (not viewable but see shelf 1023,FIG. 64) and housing base 1108 during use. As with the assembly of FIGS.50-62, the pressure flange 1122 extends well into the housing base 1108during installation. Again, although alternatives are possible, in theexample depicted, this amount of extension for flange 1122 is typicallyat least 40 mm usually at least 60 mm and often within the range of80-200 mm.

In general terms, and analogously to the example of FIGS. 50-62, theexample access cover 1109 depicted, comprises a sidewall 1109 s,extending between pressure flange 1122 and access cover outer end 1109e. The access cover 1109 includes an air flow passageway or aperturearrangement 1125 in sidewall 1109 s positioned for passage therethroughof air entering inlet 1105. Also, the access cover 1109 can include anend flow directing surface 1126 (for example a vane or arcuate, curvedflow directing surface) (see FIG. 64) analogous to surface 1026 asdiscussed above.

Still referring to FIG. 63, it is noted that pressure flange 1122(unlike pressure flange 1022) has an edge surface with some contouringthereon, indicated generally at 1122 c. This edge contouring 1122 c(which is optional but can be advantageous in some applicationsinvolving a preformed flexible lip gasket member) is discussed below.

In FIG. 64, a schematic cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly1101 is depicted. The cross-sectional view is generally along the longercross-dimension of the cartridge 1104 and housing 1102. The view isschematic and is meant to generally indicate that except for specificfeatures discussed herein in connection with the housing sealarrangement 1120, the assembly 1101 may be generally analogous toassembly 1001, FIG. 523. It is noted that the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 64 is from an opposite side to that viewable in FIG. 63.

In FIG. 65, a second schematic cross-sectional view is provided, in thisinstance along a short dimension of the housing 1102 and cartridge 1105.Here, the cross-sectional view is taken so that it passes through one oftwo contoured sections of the housing seal arrangement 1120. This isdiscussed further below.

In FIG. 65a a schematic fragmentary view of an identified portion ofFIG. 65 is shown. Here, the housing seal arrangement 1120 can be seen ascomprising a (resilient) seal or gasket member 1020 g positioned on aremainder of the cartridge 1104.

In the example depicted, the gasket member 1120 g is a preform,resilient, member made in advance of assembly of the cartridge 1115 andnot as a molded-in-place component. The gasket 1120 g would typically besecured to structure on a cartridge 1104 by adhesive or the like. Theparticular gasket 1120 g depicted includes a resilient, flexible, lipsection 1120 f that can function to generate sealing against a flange orpressure shelf 1123 in the housing base 1108 as discussed herein below.The particular gasket 1120 g depicted includes first and second lips,1120 f and 1120 b, spaced from one another and joined by gasket section1120 n. The example lips or flanges 1120 f and 1120 b generally (whennot deformed) extend parallel to one another. It is noted that in theexample they are of different thicknesses, with lip 1120 f beingthicker, typically 1.5-5 times thicker, although alternatives arepossible. Lip 1120 b in a typical application would be flexible whenformed, but then would be secured by adhesive to a rigid support flangeor pressure flange indicated generally at 1121. The particular pressureflange 1121 depicted is configured as part of the housing sealarrangement 1120 to be engaged by a pressure flange 1122 on the accesscover 1109. The pressure flange 1121 is shown extending outwardly from amounting ring 1121 m part of a support 1121 s that would be preformedand then be secured to the media 1115 in extension therearound.

Typically, flange 1121 and support 1121 s would be preformed from a hardplastic material; and, gasket 1120 g would be preformed from a resilientmaterial and be attached to the support 1121 s (i.e. combination offlange 1120, and a remainder 1120 m of support 1121 s) by appropriatemeans such as an adhesive. The resulting structure be secured in placethe media pack 1115.

Whether or not the gasket 1120 g is secured to the support 1121 s beforeor after the support 1121 s is secured to the media 1115 is a matter ofdesign/assembly choice, depending on convenience for the assemblyprocess used.

It is noted that the housing seal arrangement 1120, and in particularlip 1120 f, has an outer peripheral edge or edge section indicatedgenerally at 1120 e. This edge is discussed further below.

In FIG. 65b , a second cross-sectional view taken generally whereindicated in FIG. 65 is shown. The cross-sectional view in FIG. 65b isthrough a portion of the housing seal arrangement 1120 where there is nocontouring of the type characterized herein. Like reference numerals tothose discussed above in connection with FIG. 65a indicate analogousstructure and features.

In FIG. 66, cartridge 1104 is depicted in perspective view. Likereference numerals to those discussed above in connection with FIGS.63-65 b indicate like features. Referring to FIG. 66, the housing sealarrangement 1120, comprising support 1121 s with gasket 1120 g thereon,is viewable. Viewable, a portion of gasket 1120 g, is flexible lip 1120f.

Still referring to FIG. 66, it is noted that for the embodimentdepicted, the cartridge 1104 does not include a sheath extendingtherearound in extension between media ends 1115 a and 1115 b, i.e.between the seal support 1121 s and end 1115 b. While such a sheath orshield could be used, the example is meant to indicate that alternativesare possible. (This alternative can be applied with any of theembodiments characterized herein). The support 1121 s can be seen ashaving an upper pressure flange 1121 and an axial mounting projectionsection 1121 m, as previously described. The section 1121 m is showncomprising flexible tabs in a portion thereof, to facilitate filteringand securing to the media 1115.

In FIG. 66, it can be seen that the housing seal arrangement 1120 iscontoured. In particular, the housing seal arrangement 1120 includesopposite surfaces 1135, 1136. Surface 1135 is a surface generallyanalogous to surface 1035, except it comprises a surface of a flexiblelip 1120 f facing away from end 1115 a and toward 1115 b. The surface1135 in the example depicted, is configured with contour sectionssomewhat analogous to member 1035 discussed above. More specifically,surface 1135 is a contoured surface having axial projection/recessportion 1135 a therein, in the example depicted, comprising twocontoured (projection) sections 1035 b, 1035 b′. In the example shown,each of sections 1135 b, 1135 b′ comprises a single step 1135 c,although alternatives are possible.

In the example depicted, the steps 1135 c are positioned for a 180°rotational symmetry of the housing seal component of the type discussedabove, but alternatives are possible.

It is noted that in the example depicted, a peripheral perimeter edge1135 e of member 1135 does not includes a projection/recess peripheralor perimeter edge contour section. However, it could include such asection, for example, as a recess or projection, in some embodimentsaccording to the present disclosure. Also, since a relatively thinflexible lip is used for member for surface 1135, typically the shelf1123 would not include an optional rib analogous to rib 1023 rpreviously discussed, but in some applications it could.

It is noted that with the arrangement depicted, there is no receivertrough or recess positioned between the seal arrangement 1120 and themedia. Thus, the housing would not have a trough into which the sealarrangement 1120 projects, but rather would have a shelf without anyinternal peripheral projection thereon.

For the example cartridge 1104 depicted, surface 1136, which is not partof the gasket 1120, but rather as part of support 1121 s, is also shownwith a contouring, indicated generally at 1138. This contouring is inthe hard material of support 1121 s, and generally mates with contouringin support 1123, for reasons discussed below.

Referring to FIG. 66 and previously discussed FIGS. 62-65 b, generaloperation of housing seal arrangement 1120 can be understood. Thehousing seal arrangement 1120 is an axial housing seal arrangement,operating as a pinch seal arrangement, since, in use, it is pinchedbetween housing sections 1109, 1108. However the gasket 1120 g itself isnot a pinch seal gasket in the same manner as gasket 1020 above, sincethe pressure applied directly to gasket 1120 g, is from support orpressure flange 1121 on the cartridge, with pressure being ultimatelyprovided by the housing section 1109 via pressure flange 1122. This is aconvenient arrangement when the lip 11201 is flexible relatively thinlip (whether preformed or molded-in-place) having a thickness of about 5mm or less typically on the order of about 1-4 mm, inclusive.

It is noted that the pressure flange 1122, FIG. 62, as previouslydiscussed, include contoured section 1122 c (in the example comprisingtwo sections) thereon. These sections are configured to mate withrecesses 1138 in support 1120 s during assembly. It is noted that, insome instances, pressure could be applied in a manner adequate to seal,even if these optional projections 1122 c were not used, as long as themajority of the pressure flange 1122 contacts and applies appropriatepressure to surface 1120 s. It is also noted that if surface 1120 s didnot include recesses 1138 therein, a similar pressure affect could beobtained, with appropriate modifications in the pressure flange 1122.

In FIG. 67, a side elevational view taken toward the long side of thecartridge 1104 is depicted. Here, features previously discussed, areindicated by like reference numerals.

In FIG. 68, a cross-sectional view taken along lines 68-68, FIG. 67 isviewable. It is noted that the cross-section extends through one of thecontoured sections 1135.

FIG. 68a is an enlarged fragmentary portion of FIG. 68. Featurespreviously discussed are indicated by like reference numerals.

In FIG. 68b , an enlarged fragmentary view is provided of the secondportion of FIG. 68. Here, the cross-section is through a portion of thehousing seal arrangement 1120 that does not have the contouring therein.Features previously discussed are indicated by like reference numerals.

It is noted that the gasket 1120 g can be preformed to have contouringtherein corresponding to the contoured sections 1135 a (1135 b, 1135 b′)or it can be formed without any contouring but sufficiently thin andflexible will adopt such contouring when secured to the support 1120 s,when the support 1120 s is formed with contouring.

In FIG. 69, gasket 1120 g is depicted. Here it is shown preformed withcontouring therein, contoured sections being indicated at 1135 and 1135b′ respectively.

In FIG. 69a , an exploded view of the cartridge 1104 is depicted. Thegasket 1120 g is depicted in association with support 1121 s. It isnoted that the exploded view of FIG. 69a shows the gasket 1120 g abovethe support 1121 s, which would not be the normal assembly. Rather, thegasket 1120 g would typically be positioned underneath the support 1121s. However, assembly with the gasket on top of the support is possible,in alternate applications of the techniques described herein.

In FIG. 70, the support 1121 s is shown in perspective view.

In FIG. 71, a top plan view of the support 1121 s is shown.

In FIG. 72, a side elevational view of support 1121 s is shown.

In FIG. 73, a preform gasket 1120 g is shown in perspective view. It isnoted that it is shown formed with contoured sections 1135 b, 1135 b′therein.

Referring to FIG. 73 is noted that the contoured sections 1135 b, 1135b′ in gasket 1120 g occur along both the sealing surface and the uppersurface the upper surface being secured to the support flange. Thereason for contouring in the upper surface is to facilitate mating withthe access cover and seal support and also because it helped to maintaina constant thickness in the gasket 1120 g throughout to facilitatemanufacture. Alternatives are possible.

Indeed, in FIG. 74, the top plan view of a gasket generallycorresponding to gasket 1120 g is shown. However, here no deformationareas are depicted. This is meant to indicate an example in which thedeformation would not be pre-made in the gasket 1120 g, but rather thegasket would be made without contouring in the various surfaces, withthe desired contouring in the gasket as mounted resulting by attachingthe flexible gasket to the support 1121 s which would have preformedcontouring therein.

In FIG. 75, a side elevational view of gasket 1120 g is shown. Here, thegasket 1120 g having deformed or contoured sections therein.

In FIG. 76, a top schematic view of a media perimeter configuration formedia 1115 is shown. In FIG. 77, a side elevational view of the mediaperimeter 1115 is shown.

In FIGS. 63-77, some example dimensions are provided, as indication of ausable example arrangement. Alternate arrangements can be used. Theexample dimensions are as follows: In FIG. 68a , DA=13.5 mm; DB=6.5 mm;DC=14 mm; in FIG. 68b , DD=13.5 mm; DE=7.5 mm; and, DF=5.5 mm; in FIG.71, DG=458 mm; and, DH=191 mm; in FIG. 72, DI=27 mm; in FIG. 74, DJ=488mm; and, DK=191 mm; in FIG. 75, DL=6-20 mm; DM=3 mm; and, DN=15-70 mm;in FIG. 76, DO=457 mm; and, DP=160 mm; and, in FIG. 77, DQ=225 mm.

From a review of FIGS. 63-77 and the general principles discussed above,various alternate applications of the techniques described herein can beunderstood. In particular, the housing seal arrangement can comprise aflexible lip member. The flexible lip member can itself be pinchedbetween housing portions, or it can have one sealing surface forengagement with the housing, and be positioned for compression to occuras a result of application of a pressure flange on the cartridge itself(under inducement from a housing section). The flexible lip member cancomprise a member of a preformed gasket, or it can be molded-in-place.It can be formed from a variety of materials, and will typically a TPE(thermoplastic elastomer).

A housing seal arrangement using such a flexible seal member can beprovided with an axial surface contour in accord with the generalprinciples herein comprising a projection/recess contour arrangement.The projection/recess contour arrangement can comprise a stepped section(and comprise a section with more than one step if desired). It cancomprise more than one contoured section or step section in the gasketmember. It can be provided with 180° rotational symmetry if desired, butthis is not required.

The seal can be formed to have the contouring in the gasket as molded,or it can be configured so that the support on which the support ispositioned causes the deformation to provide the contouring. The gasketcan be provided with contouring in both surfaces, which would be typicalwith a relatively thin flexible seal.

A particular gasket is depicted, which has two aligned lips connected bya central or joining section. One of the lips is used for mountingengaging the flange on the cartridge, the other lip comprising aflexible lip member that forms the axial seal with the housing.

The arrangement including a flexible lip can be provided without an edgecontouring if desired, as shown in the previously discussed arrangement.It can, however, alternatively be provided with edge contouring ifdesired.

It is noted that in some applications of techniques described herein, ahousing seal arrangement, using a single flexible lip member, can beprovided without a rigid pressure flange on the cartridge. When this isthe case, the flexible lip would then be pinched between two contouredsections of the housing, to provide the contouring in installation. Thatis, such a gasket might not have axial surface contouring in as it wouldappear on the cartridge when initially formed, but rather would beconfigured sufficiently thin and flexible so that it would deform to thedesired contouring, as a result of being pinched between mating sectionsof a housing to form an arrangement, typically with contour (for examplea step or stepped arrangement) as characterized herein. When this is thecase, and a reference is made to a contoured axial surface of thecartridge, the reference is meant to the cartridge as installed. Ofcourse, this type of arrangement could optionally be provided with edgecontouring, if desired.

It is noted that the cartridge 1104 of FIGS. 63-77 is depicted withouthandle arrangement thereon. Any of the handle arrangements previouslydiscussed herein, and alternatives, can be provided or adapted for usewith such a cartridge. For example, the support 1020 s could beperformed with a handle member thereon, if desired.

D. A Further Example Cartridge in Accord with Principles Characterizedherein, FIGS. 78-81 a

As indicated previously, arrangements according to the presentdisclosure can include a variety of contouring in the housing sealarrangement. Examples discussed above in connection with any of thesedescribed embodiments can be applied in others. An example alternativecontouring is shown in the cartridge of FIGS. 78-81 a.

Referring to FIG. 78, cartridge 1204 is depicted having first andsecond, opposite, flow ends and generally comprising media 1215positioned in extension between opposite end faces or ends 1215 a, 1215b. In the example depicted, in FIG. 78, the cartridge 1204 includes ashield or sheath 1216 and a handle arrangement 1250. Thus farcharacterized, the cartridge 1204 is generally analogous to cartridge1004, previously discussed.

Still referring to FIG. 78, cartridge 1204 depicted comprises a housingseal arrangement 1220, in the example depicted comprising amolded-in-place housing pinch seal 1220 p. Pinch seal arrangement 1220 pgenerally has opposite surfaces 1035, 1036 with at least one of thesurfaces 1035 comprising contoured axial seal surface.

In the arrangement depicted, the housing seal arrangement 1220 includesa peripheral edge 1020 e having a peripheral perimeter edgeprojection/recess arrangement 1240 therein, in the example depicted,comprising a recess arrangement 1240 r.

Referring to FIG. 78, the housing arrangement 1220 includes, on surface1035, a contour arrangement 1235 a which is asymmetric with respect torotation around a central axis between ends 1215 a, 1215 b. Also, thehousing seal arrangement includes more than one stepped section.

In the example depicted, the housing seal arrangement 1220 comprises afirst stepped section 1235 b and second and third stepped sections 1235c and 1235 d. The first stepped section 1235 b is positioned along oneside of the cartridge 1220, and the two sections 1235 c, 1235 d arepositioned adjacent to, and spaced from, one another, along an oppositeside. In the example shown, the stepped sections 1235 b, 1235 c, 1235 d,except for location, are similar to one another in shape. This would betypical, but is not required in all applications.

Thus, and referring to FIG. 78, stepped section 1235 a include first andsecond end steps 1260, 1262 with central step 1261 therebetween.

In FIG. 79, an end elevational view of cartridge 1204 is depicted.Features previously characterized can be viewed herein.

In FIG. 80, the side elevational view taken toward an opposite side tothat viewable in FIG. 78 is shown. Here sections 1235 d and 1235 c canbe viewed.

In FIG. 81, an enlarged fragmentary view of step 1235 c is shown. It isnoted that the other steps 1235 b, 1235 d are generally analogous, butalternatives are possible.

In FIG. 81, a top plan view of cartridge 1004 is provided. Here,analogous features to ones previously described are viewable.

In FIG. 81a , an enlarged fragmentary schematic view taken alongportions of line 81 a-81 a, FIG. 81 are shown. Here, analogous featuresto ones previously described are shown.

It is noted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 78-81, example dimensionswere indicated. Although alternative dimensions are usable, the exampledepicted, it is meant to indicate a working arrangement. The exampledimensions would be as follows; in FIG. 80, EG=10-25 mm, preferably 19mm; EH=5 mm; EI=10-40 mm, preferably 32.5 mm; EJ=30.60 mm, preferably46, angle XY=15°-75°, more preferably 30°-60°, typically 45°, radius12=2-10 mm, more preferably 6 mm; in FIG. 81a , EK=35 mm; EL=20 mm;EM=17.3 mm; EN=20 mm; EO=13 mm; EP=25 mm; EQ=30 mm; ER=35 mm; ES=9.53mm; and ET=3.6 mm.

In more general terms, the embodiment of FIGS. 78-81 a was meant toindicate general principles applicable with many of the variationscharacterized here. In particular, multiple contour sections and contoursections in a contour surface of the seal arrangement can be provided,and there is no requirement that the same number of locations be usedalong each side of the cartridge, nor is symmetry required.

It is noted that as discussed, the various stepped sections can be thesame as one another, but they can be different from one another as well.

E. A Further Example Filter Cartridge, FIG. 82-85

As thus far characterized, the contour section of the housing sealarrangement has generally been depicted projecting away from an end ofthe cartridge having a handle thereon (or inlet flow face thereon). Inmore general terms, the housing seal arrangement is generally positionedadjacent one end of the cartridge, and in the example depicted, theprojection portion of the contour (or the contour portion of the housingseal arrangement) is generally away from that end and toward theopposite. Alternative arrangements can be used.

An example is depicted in FIGS. 82-85. Here, the filter cartridge 1304may be generally analogous to those previously discussed, having firstand second, opposite, flow ends and including: media 1315, with oppositeends or flow surfaces 1315 a, 1315 b; housing seal arrangement 1320 withopposite surfaces 1335, 1336; shield or sheath 1316 and handlearrangement 1350. However, it is noted that contouring is indicated at1336 c in surface 1336, and, opposite surface 1335 is not contoured.

It also noted that in the example depicted, the contoured sections 1336c are projection sections, although one could be a projection section,one could be a recess section, or both could be recess sections. Furtherit is noted that each is oriented without a peripheral perimeter recesssection oriented therewith, but alternatives are possible.

In FIG. 82, an end elevational view of the cartridge 1304 is provided.In FIG. 84, a top plan view is provided. In FIG. 85, a long dimensionside elevational view of cartridge 1304 is provided.

The embodiment of FIGS. 82-85 is meant to generally indicate that theprinciples of the present application are not intended to be limited toan arrangement in which projection only occurs from face 1315 a towardsurface 1315 b. Rather, it can extend away from both surfaces. Further,in FIG. 82, it is noted that the peripheral perimeter edge 1320 e doesnot have any projection/recess contour therein. This is merely toindicate that any of the embodiments could be provided without anoptional edge contour if desired.

It is also noted that the applications could be applied in arrangementsin which each of the surfaces 1335, 1336 (or analogous surface inanother embodiment) has a member of a projection/contour arrangementtherein. Also, it is not required that all members be either aprojection member or recess member, but rather some could be one andsome could be another.

F. Some General Applicable Principles and Features

1. Features Relating to Seal Symmetry/Asymmetry

In the various embodiments described herein, both with respect to FIGS.50-85 and also with respect to the earlier described embodiments ofFIGS. 1-49. Features of symmetry/asymmetry are discussed with respect tothe housing seal arrangement. A variety of possibilities can bepracticed with the techniques described herein.

A first characterized concept with respect to symmetry, is rotationalsymmetry. Rotational symmetry as discussed herein is symmetry inrotation around an axis that extends through a center of the cartridge,in the direction between the opposite flow ends or flow faces. It can becharacterized as a central axis around which the housing sealarrangement extends. A seal member housing or seal arrangement hasrotational symmetry, or 180° rotational symmetry, if it can be rotated180° and align with itself. Examples of rotational symmetry or 180°rotational symmetry are provided for example, by the embodiment depictedin FIG. 57. The example of FIG. 78 on the other hand, representsrotational asymmetry; i.e. the arrangement does not align with itselfunless rotated through a full 360°.

Planar symmetry or asymmetry can also be defined for the housing sealarrangement or seal member. In general, for arrangements that have along cross-sectional axis and a shorter axis, generally the longer axisplane would be a plane through the center of the housing sealarrangement in long-dimension; and, a short-dimension, plane would be aplane through the short dimension at a center of, and perpendicular to,the long dimension. With respect to any defined plane, planar symmetrywould be a situation in which the housing seal arrangement defines amirror image on an opposite side of the plane from a first side. Withasymmetry, there would be no such mirror image.

An example of long-dimension planar symmetry is provided, for example,in the embodiment of FIG. 12. Long-dimension planar asymmetry isreflected for example in the embodiment of FIG. 57.

Short-dimension plane symmetry is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 78.Short dimension planar asymmetry is shown for example in the embodimentsof FIG. 57.

An arrangement can have both long-dimension planar symmetry and ashort-dimension planar symmetry. An arrangement can have long-dimensionplanar symmetry and short dimension planar asymmetry. An arrangement canhave long-dimension asymmetry and short dimension symmetry. Anarrangement can be asymmetric with respect to each of the long-dimensionplane and short dimension plane.

Any of the variety of arrangements in variations characterized herein,can be applied with any of the types of symmetries or asymmetriescharacterized. The selected symmetries/asymmetries features with respectto rotational and the two planar definitions can be used in a variety ofways to advantage.

For example, rotational symmetry can be used to allow that a cartridgecan be rotated in either of a plurality of orientations forinstallation, for example two, which can be convenient in someapplications. On the other hand, if it is desired to allow for only onerotation, for example to manage a possible MAFS (mass air flow sensor)issue or other issues, this can be accommodated as well. Further, thecombination of symmetry/asymmetry characterizations can be used toprovide a unique appearing cartridge with respect to any selectedsystem. This can facilitate servicing, i.e. recognition of theappropriate service part for the system of concern.

2. Step Definitions

In many of the embodiments characterized herein, the contoured axialsurface section of the projection/receiver housing axial sealarrangement, is shown as having a stepped (or step) configuration. Ingeneral terms, each contoured section within an contoured surface, willtend to not extend over more than about 200 mm and typically not morethan about 180 mm, in extension along a periphery or perimeter of themedia. Typically, within a stepped region, each step has a non-contoured(flat) section extending at least 5 mm, and usually at least 10 mm,often at least 20 mm, in many instances at least 30 mm, sometimes atleast 40 mm, usually within the range of 10-80 mm.

Typically, when a contoured section comprises multiple steps, each step,in maximum relief from an adjacent portion of the housing seal surface,extends at least 2 mm, often at least 5 mm, typically at least 8 mm, forexample at least 10 mm, usually not more than 80 mm, and in manyapplications, within the range of 10-60 mm, inclusive.

Generally, where each step transitions to a next step, an angle ofextension of a straight transition section to a first step section orother flat section of the seal arrangement is within the range of about35°-85° with a radius of curvature at each end being non-sharp, tofacilitate engagement with the housing surface. Preferably the radius ofcurvature where the transition section engages a flat perimeter section(either one of the steps or a non-contoured portion of the adjacentaxial seal surface) has a radius of at least 2 mm, usually within therange of 2-10 mm, often within the range of 4-8 mm, inclusive. In someinstances, it can be characterized as having a radius of at least 8 mm,and can be quite large. The issues relating to the radius of curvatureat the similar sizes of the transition ends (not too sharp a radius soas to inhibit sealing) is different than issues control the radius ofcurvature at the larger end of the range. It should typically besufficiently large for good sealing, but not so large that undesirableextra length of perimeter is needed to manage the transition. Examplesof these ends of transition sections are shown at Z, FIG. 80.

It is also noted that when the peripheral perimeter edge has a recessestoward the media, the contour will have end transition regions wherethey engage the non-contoured portion of the edge. Examples of these areshown in FIG. 80 at R. Typically, the radius of curvature at theselocations should be within the range of 2-6 mm, inclusive for convenienttransitions.

Typically, when the regions are stepped, for example as characterized inFIG. 80a , the stepped portion of each projection is located with anon-contoured portion in a plane generally parallel to the non-contouredsurface of the next adjacent step or the non-contoured portion of thesame axial seal surface, with a planes separated by at least 2 mm,usually at least 5 mm, sometimes at least 10 mm. In some instances, itcan be quite large, for example at least 20 mm. These planes can beunderstood by reference to the sections indicated at P, FIG. 80 a.

3. General Applications of the Techniques to Alternate Embodiments

In general, the specific features and techniques characterized herein,with respect to any given embodiment, can be applied or adapted to beapplied in other embodiments as well. The embodiments characterized arenot meant to be exclusive to one another, with respect to availablefeatures for use. Thus, alternate handle arrangements, media and mediapack configurations, and specific housing seal arrangement features canbe used with a variety of the techniques characterized.

V. General Summary and Characterizations

A. General Summary

According to the present disclosure, techniques and features for filtercartridges are characterized. Typically the filter cartridges are of thetype that can be used in an air cleaner assembly, as a service part. Atypical application would be for filtering combustion air directed tothe intake of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or otherequipment.

In general terms, a filter cartridge is provided. The cartridge hasfirst and second flow ends and comprises filter media, positioned tofilter fluid (air) directed between the flow ends. A variety of mediatypes are characterized, having media (flutes or pleat tips) extendingbetween the first and second flow ends. The term “flutes” is meant torefer to pleats or other types of corrugations.

Example media types includes those which have a fluted sheet secured toa facing sheet, formed into a media pack. Such arrangements may becorrugated or may comprise a stack of individual strips of single facedmedia.

Other media types characterized are ones in which the cartridge hasmultiple, spaced, pleated media extensions extending between the firstand second flow ends.

The first and second flow ends can comprise flow faces, i.e. faces ofthe cartridge into which, or from which, air flow occurs.

In general, the filter cartridge includes a seal arrangement. The sealarrangement may comprise, for example, a pinch seal arrangement. Ingeneral, the seal arrangement has a first axial housing engagement(seal) surface, i.e. (seal) a surface which is directed axially andwhich is configured to engage a housing surface, with sealing, in use.The first axial seal housing seal engagement surface includes acontoured axial surface section thereon, having at least a first housingengagement projection/recess member thereon.

In general terms, seal arrangements characterized herein include sealmembers that have first and second, opposite, axially directed surfaces,one of which is the first axial seal housing engagement surface. Whenthe seal member is a pinch seal member, each of the opposite axialsurfaces engages the housing, in a typical application. In somearrangements, the flexible lip member can be provided, with one surfacethat engages the housing and an opposite surface that engages a sealsupport on the cartridge.

A typical housing seal arrangement, or seal member, characterized hereinhas an outer peripheral, perimeter, edge or edge surface. Thatperipheral edge or peripheral perimeter edge surface is the edge orsurface of the seal member that faces away from the media in extensionaround the cartridge. In various example arrangements characterizedherein, this seal arrangement includes an optional first member of aperipheral edge projection/recess contour therein. In certain examples,this first member of a peripheral edge projection/recess contourincludes a first recess member, which may comprise a single recesssection or multiple spaced recess sections in the peripheral edgesurface.

The first housing engagement projection/recess member in the contouredaxial seal surface section can comprise either a recess member or aprojection member. Indeed, in some arrangements it can include both arecess member and a projection member.

Among the variations characterized as usable herein, is an arrangementin which the first housing engagement projection/recess member comprisesat least one projection section, and examples are characterized in whichinclude more than one, spaced, projection section.

In certain example arrangements characterized herein, the first housingengagement projection/recess member comprises a stepped arrangementincluding a first end step section projecting toward a flow end; acentral step section projecting toward the same selected flow end; and,a second end step section projecting toward the same selected flow end;with: the central step section being positioned between the first andsecond end step sections; and, with the central step section projectingtoward the selected flow end from each of the first end step section andsecond step section. In a typical arrangement, each one of the first endstep section and the second end step section and the central stepsection extends, without axial contouring over a peripheral length of atleast 5 mm, typically a peripheral length of at least 10 mm., often more

Herein, examples are depicted and described in which the sealarrangement includes both a housing projection/recess member on theaxial sealing surface; and, a peripheral, perimeter, edgeprojection/recess contour on the seal arrangement peripheral perimeteredge, the two being in axial alignment with one another; i.e. locatedover the same perimeter extension of the seal arrangement (typically onthe resilient seal member). This would typically be the case whethereach comprises one member or more than one member.

As indicated previously, selected example arrangements are described inwhich the seal arrangement comprises a pinch seal arrangement having anouter peripheral edge surface and first and second, opposite, pinch sealengagement surfaces with one of the first and second, opposite, pinchseal (housing engagement) surfaces being the axial seal engagementsurface with a contoured section thereon, having at least a firsthousing engagement projection/recess member therein. Certain examplesare shown in which the opposite pinch seal housing engagement surfacefrom the one with the first housing engagement projection/recess memberis itself not contoured, for example in complete continuous peripheralextension around the media.

In typical arrangements, in which the housing seal arrangement comprisesa molded-in-place seal member having first and second, opposite, pinchseal housing engagement surfaces, the surfaces are spaced apart at least5 mm and not more than 50 mm.

In typical arrangements which include an optional peripheral perimeteredge projection/recess contour, typically that contour has a reliefrelative to adjacent portions of the edge, at least 1 mm and not morethan 10 mm.

Typically when the peripheral perimeter edge projection/recess contouris present, any section of it extends over a peripheral perimeterdistance of at least 5 mm, typically at least 10 mm.

As discussed herein above, the media can be provided with a plurality ofshapes, including ones that have non-circular outer peripheries, such asoval peripheries or rectangular peripheries. In a typical arrangement,the outer periphery has at least one straight section extending over adistance of at least 40 mm. When such is the case, typically anyperipheral perimeter edge projection/recess contour includes a sectionin overlap with that straight side section of the media. Also, typicallya projection/recess contour in the axial sealing surface is inorientation with the overlap straight side section. Of course, there canbe more than one straight side section and more than one section ofprojection/recess contour.

Indeed, examples of this are shown in instances where the media has anoval perimeter with two opposite straight sides and two opposite curvedends; and, in the examples where the media has a rectangular perimeter.In a variety of examples depicted herein, a first flow end of the mediais an inlet flow end and a seal arrangement is positioned adjacent tothat inlet flow end, although it may be spaced therefrom slightly.Alternates are possible.

Example arrangements are depicted in which the first and second oppositeflow ends are generally planar, and the seal arrangement is generallypositioned in a plane parallel to one of the flow ends. Alternatives arepossible.

The arrangements characterized herein are particularly convenient forapplication in cartridges in which the media has significant dimensionor extension between the first and second flow ends. For example, on theorder of at least 80 mm, usually at least 100 mm, often 150 mm or more,for example 200 mm or more.

Filter cartridge variations are characterized herein that include ahandle arrangement thereon. The handle arrangement may be provided toproject in a direction away from the pinch seal member on the first andsecond flow ends. An example peripheral handle arrangement is shown insome embodiments, including ones having at least two, spaced, optionalhandle projections. Examples with the two spaced handle projectionspositioned adjacent peripherally opposite portions of the media pack aredescribed.

Another type of handle member characterized is a handle member having acentral handle bridge positioned over a flow end of the media.

These handle arrangements can be used in a connection with the varietyof the arrangements characterized herein, and in other applications toadvantage.

In some examples, the seal arrangement comprises seal member orresilient seal member which is a portion of a molded-in-place member,and the handle member is secured to a remainder of the cartridge by themolded-in-place member. To accomplish this, the handle member may beprovided with a peripheral rim section, for example by which it issecured to the molded-in-place member. In certain example arrangementscharacterized herein, the seal arrangement includes an axial pinch sealhaving first and second, opposite, housing engagement surfaces; and, thecartridge is configured such that a pinch seal housing engagementsurface is positioned on a portion of the pinch seal arrangement spacedfrom the media by receiver space. That receiver space can be configuredto extend completely peripherally around the media, and can beconfigured to receive portion of a housing projection therein, betweenthe engagement surface of the media, during installation.

In these examples, the radially inner surface of the axial pinch sealarrangement can be contoured, for example in extension toward the secondpinch seal housing engagement surface. In an example characterized, aslanted section that slants away from the media as it extends toward thesecond pinch seal housing engagement surface is shown and described. Itis noted that in certain examples characterized herein, the housing sealarrangement includes a portion molded directly to the filter media. Whenthis is done, it will typically be adjacent a flow end, i.e. adjacent afirst (typically in use, inlet) flow end.

In some examples characterized herein, the seal arrangement ispositioned on a seal support, typically a rigid preform member. This canprovide the seal arrangement with some support in use. In certainexamples, the seal support is positioned on preform shell surroundingthe media pack. However, whether or not a seal support is provided,preform shell can provide some advantage in protecting the media.

The preform shell, when used, can be provided with an end grid inextension across a flow end of the media. It can also include a receiverextending from that flow end to a location surrounded by the media.

In some arrangements, instead of molded-in-place, the seal arrangementcan comprise a preform gasket member positioned around a filter media.An example of such gasket member is characterized, which includes aflexible seal or lip member positioned to flex toward or away from apressure surface on a seal support. The particular example gasket isshown which has first and second lateral lips or flanges. In an example,one of the flanges or lips, in particular the one which engages thehousing, is thicker than the first flange. A typical such preformedgasket member would comprise a tpe (thermoplastic elastomer).

As indicated above, example cartridge arrangements when the media packhas a non-circular outer perimeter are characterized. In many instances,they will be cross-sections that have a long dimension and a shortdimension, with a ratio of the long dimension to the short dimensionbeing at least 1.3:1, typically within the range of 1.3:1 to 5:1,inclusive, although alternatives are possible. Some examples areprovided in range of ratios is within 1.5:1 to 3.5:1, inclusive.

Example arrangements are provided in which a significant portion of theaxial housing seal engagement surface (or sealing surface) that iscontoured, is also flat, typically 10% of it being flat, often at least20% of it being flat, and in many instances 50% or more.

When the peripheral perimeter edge surface is contoured, and thosecontours are recesses, typically the recesses are at least 1 mm deep, indirection toward the media. Often it is at least 2 mm deep in maximumdimension, in a direction toward the media.

Typically, when the contoured section of the first axial housingengagement surface is a projection member, that projection member has amaximum dimension axially of at least 2 mm from an adjacentnon-contoured portion of the surface, typically at least 3 mm, and often5 mm, or more. The housing seal engagement surface when it includes aprojection can be provided with stepped transition sections therein, forexample extending at an angle within the range 35°-85°, typically40°-80°, often 45°-60°, inclusive, relative to a plane in perpendiculardirection between the flow ends.

It is noted that the outer peripheral perimeter edge surface can beprovided with a portion tapering toward the media pack in extensionaxially.

Herein, a variety of symmetry arrangements have been characterized. Forexample, the outer peripheral perimeter edge surface can be providedradially asymmetric around a central axis, as can a housing engagementsurface or sealing surface. Alternatively, one or both can be providedwith 180° rotational symmetry in extensions around a central axis.

Also herein above, planar symmetry and asymmetry configurations arecharacterized, with respect to each or both of the long dimensioncross-section or short dimension cross-section, for the sealarrangement.

Also, according to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies arecharacterized. A typical air cleaner assembly is one which includes ahousing having a first housing section and a second housing section, anda filter cartridge in accord with the various ones of thecharacterizations provided herein positioned within the housing, with afirst axial seal housing engagement surface biased against a portion ofone housing section by the other housing section. Often it is biasedagainst a housing seal surface that is surrounded by a peripheral flangeor wall section.

Typically, the housing seal surface includes at least one peripheraldiscontinuous projection/recess contour member therein, which mates withor is engaged by a projection/recess contour member on a housing sealsurface in the cartridge.

Typically, the housing seal surface on each of the cartridge and housingcan include one stepped member therein, often more than one steppedmember.

Examples are described in which the housing also has, on a peripheralflange, a peripheral perimeter edge projection recess contour configuredto engage or mate with a peripheral perimeter edge projection/recesscontour on the cartridge, i.e. on the cartridge seal member. Variousnumbers of the projection/recesses are characterized.

Examples are characterized in which the housing includes on access coversection having a pressure flange thereon and the housing includes a basesection having a sealing surface thereon, the pressure flange beingpositioned on a portion of access cover that projects at least well intothe base section, when the cartridge is sealed in position.

Examples are characterized in which the housing has a base section withthe housing flow inlet arrangement and a housing flow outlet arrangementtherein, for example, with a housing flow inlet arrangement being a sideinlet. In this situation, the housing access cover, which would be anend section, would not have a flow inlet or flow outlet to the overallhousing thereon.

Often the housing is provided with a section having a surface with acurved flow directing surface or vane thereon oriented to turn flow froma side inlet toward the cartridge.

There is no specific requirement that all air cleaner assemblies,components and features be applied with all of the characterizationsprovided herein, in order to obtain some advantage in accord with thepresent disclosure. The teachings are meant to be applicable in avariety of arrangements, including alternates to the ones depicted, andalternate to the particular combinations of features depicted herein.

B. Selected Characterizations

1. A filter cartridge characterized by: (a) first and second, opposite,flow ends; (b) media positioned to filter fluid flow between the firstand second, opposite, flow ends; and, (c) a seal arrangement having afirst axial seal housing engagement surface; (i) the first axial sealhousing engagement surface including a contoured axial seal surfacesection having at least a first housing engagement projection/recessmember thereon. 2. A filter cartridge according to characterization 1wherein: (a) the media extends over a distance of at least 80 mm in adirection between the first and second flow ends. 3. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-2 wherein: (a) the mediaextends over a distance of at least 150 mm in a direction between thefirst and second flow ends. 4. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-3 wherein: (a) the media extends over a distanceof at least 180 mm in a direction between the first and second flowends. 5. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-4 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement includes a peripheral, perimeter,edge surface having a first member of a peripheral edgeprojection/recess contour therein. 6. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 5 wherein: (a) the first member of a peripheral edgeprojection/recess contour includes a first recess member.7. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 5 and 6wherein: (a) the first member of a peripheral projection/recess contourcomprises multiple, spaced, recesses in the peripheral edge surface. 8.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-7wherein: (a) the first housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises at least one projection section. 9. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of the characterizations 1-8 wherein: (a) the firsthousing engagement projection/recess member comprises: a first end stepsection, projecting toward a selected flow end; a central step sectionprojecting toward the selected flow end; and, a second end step sectionprojecting toward the selected flow end; (i) the central step sectionbeing positioned between the first and second end step sections; and,(ii) the central step section projecting toward the selected flow endfrom each of the first end step section and the second end step section.10. A filter cartridge according to characterizations 9 wherein: (a)each one of the first end step section, the second end step section andthe central step section extends, without axial contouring, over aperipheral length of at least 5 mm. 11. A filter cartridge according toany one of characterizations 9 and 10 wherein: (a) each one of the firstend step section, the second end step section and the central stepsection extends, without axial contouring, over a peripheral length ofat least 10 mm. 12. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 7-11 wherein: (a) each one of the first end stepsection, the second end step section and the central step sectionextends, without axial contouring, over a peripheral length of at least20 mm. 13. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-12 wherein: (a) the housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises at least one projection that includes at least one sectionthat extends over a peripheral, perimeter, distance of at least 30 mm,without contouring in that section.14. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-13wherein: (a) the housing engagement projection/recess member comprisesat least one projection that includes at least one section that extendsover a peripheral, perimeter, distance of at least 10 mm withoutcontouring in that section. 15. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-14 wherein: (a) the housing engagementprojection/recess member comprises at least one projection that includesat least one section that extends over a peripheral, perimeter, distanceof at least 20 mm without contouring in that section. 16. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-15 wherein: (a)the housing engagement projection/recess member comprises at least oneprojection that includes at least one section that extends over aperipheral, perimeter, distance of at least 30 mm without contouring inthat section. 17. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-16 wherein: (a) the housing engagementprojection/recess member comprises at least one projection that includesat least two sections that each extend, without contouring therein, overa peripheral perimeter distance of at least 30 mm. 18. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-17 wherein: (a)the housing engagement projection/recess member comprises at least oneprojection that includes at least one section that extends over aperipheral perimeter distance of at least 40 mm without contouring inthat section.19. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-18wherein: (a) the seal arrangement includes a peripheral, perimeter, edgesurface having a first member of a peripheral, perimeter,projection/recess contour therein; and (b) the housing projection/recessmember includes a projection section positioned in a portion of thefirst edge seal housing engagement surface at a location in axialalignment with the first member of the peripheral projection/recesscontour in the peripheral edge surface. 20. A filter cartridge accordingto characterization 19 wherein: (a) the peripheral, perimeter,projection recess contour includes first and second, spaced, edgecontour sections; and, (b) the housing engagement projection/recessmember includes spaced axial seal surface contour sections therein; (i)each axial seal surface contour section being axially aligned with anassociated one of the edge contour sections. 21. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-20 wherein: (a) the sealarrangement includes a peripheral edge surface having at least twospaced recess sections therein. 22. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 21 wherein: (a) the first housing engagementprojection/recess member includes a projection portion in axialalignment with each recess section in the peripheral edge surface. 23. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-22 wherein:(a) the seal arrangement comprises a pinch seal arrangement having: anouter peripheral edge surface; and, first and second, opposite, pinchseal housing engagement surfaces; (i) at least a selected one of thefirst and second, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfacesincluding the contoured axial seal surface section having at least thefirst housing engagement projection/recess member therein. 24. A filtercartridge according to characterization 23 wherein: (a) the second pinchseal housing engagement surface includes the contoured axial sealsurface section with the first housing engagement projection/recessmember therein; and, (b) the opposite first pinch seal housingengagement surface does not include a housing engagementprojection/recess member therein. 25. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 24 wherein: (a) the first pinch seal housing engagementsurface includes a non-contoured pressure flange engagement section thathas a complete, continuous, peripheral extension around the media.26. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 23-25wherein: (a) a distance between the first and second, opposite, pinchseal housing engagement surfaces is at least 5 mm and not more than 50mm. 27. A filter cartridge according to characterization 26 wherein: (a)the pinch seal arrangement has a peripheral, perimeter, edge with afirst member of a peripheral, perimeter, edge projection/recess contourthereon; (i) the first member of a peripheral, perimeter, edgeprojection/recess contour having a maximum contour relief of at least 1mm and not more than 10 mm. 28. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 27 wherein: (a) the first member of a peripheral,perimeter, edge projection/recess contour comprises a section withstraight edge surface section extending over a peripheral, perimeter,distance of at least 5 mm. 29. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 27 and 28 wherein: (a) the first member of aperipheral edge projection/recess contour comprises a recess member. 30.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 27-29wherein: (a) the first member of a peripheral, perimeter, edgeprojection/recess contour in the pinch seal arrangement comprises arecess member having at least two spaced recess sections.31. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) first and second, opposite, flowends; (b) filter media positioned to filter fluid flow between the firstand second, opposite, flow ends; and, (c) a pinch seal arrangementhaving: an outer peripheral edge surface; and, first and second,opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) the second one ofthe first and second, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfacesbeing a contoured housing engagement surface; and (ii) the first one ofthe first and second, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaceshaving a peripherally continuous pressure flange engagement section thatis not contoured as a mirror image of the contoured housing engagementsurface of the second pinch seal housing engagement surface. 32. Afilter cartridge according to characterization 31 wherein: (a) theperipherally continuous pressure flange engagement section is anon-contoured pressure flange engagement section. 33. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 31 and 32 wherein: (a) theperipheral edge surface of the pinch seal arrangement includes a firstmember of a peripheral, perimeter, projection/recess edge contourtherein. 34. A filter cartridge according to characterization 33wherein: (a) the contoured housing arrangement surface includes ahousing engagement projection member positioned in a portion of thepinch seal arrangement in axial alignment with the first member of aperipheral, perimeter, projection/recess edge contour. 35. A filtercartridge according to characterization 34 wherein: (a) the peripheral,perimeter, projection/recess edge contour includes first and second,spaced, edge contour sections; and, (b) the housing engagementprojection/recess member includes spaced, axial seal surface contoursections therein; (i) each axial seal surface contour section beingaxially aligned with an associated one of the edge contour sections. 36.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 34 and 35wherein: (a) the first member of the peripheral, perimeter,projection/recess edge contour comprises multiple, spaced, recesses inthe peripheral surface. 37. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 31-36 wherein: (a) the contoured housing engagementsurface includes at least one housing engagement projection membercomprising multiple step sections. 38. A filter cartridge according toany one of characterizations 31-37 wherein: (a) a peripheral, perimeter,edge surface of the seal arrangement includes a section of a firstmember of a peripheral, perimeter, edge projection/recess contour inoverlap with a straight section of the media. 39. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-38 wherein: (a) the firstaxial seal housing engagement surface includes at least one housingengagement projection member in overlap with a straight section of themedia. 40. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-39 wherein: (a) the first flow end of the filter cartridge media is aninlet flow end; (b) the seal arrangement is positioned adjacent theinlet flow end; and, (c) the first axial seal housing engagement surfacefaces in a direction toward the second flow end of the cartridge. 41. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-40 wherein:(a) the seal arrangement comprises an axial pinch seal having first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; and (b) aminimal distance between the first and second, opposite, pinch sealhousing engagement surfaces is at least 5 mm.42. A filter cartridge according to characterization 41 wherein: (a) aminimal distance between the first and second, opposite, pinch sealhousing engagement surfaces is at least 10 mm. 43. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 41 and 42 wherein: (a) amaximum distance between the first and second, opposite, pinch sealsurfaces is no greater than 50 mm. 44. A filter cartridge according toany one of characterizations 41-43 wherein: (a) a maximum distancebetween the first and second, opposite, pinch seal surfaces is nogreater than 40 mm. 45. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-44 including: (a) a handle arrangement projecting ina direction away from the pinch seal member and the first and secondflow ends. 46. A filter cartridge according to characterization 45wherein: (a) the handle arrangement comprises a peripheral handlearrangement.47. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 45 and46 wherein: (a) the handle arrangement comprises at least two, spaced,handle projections. 48. A filter cartridge according to characterization47 wherein: (a) the two, spaced, handle projections are positionedadjacent peripherally opposite portions of the media. 49. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-45 including: (a)a handle member including a central handle bridge positioned at a firstflow end of the cartridge. 50. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 49 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises aportion of a molded-in-place member; and, (b) the handle member issecured to a remainder of the cartridge by the molded-in-place member.51. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 49 and50 wherein: (a) the handle member includes a peripheral rim section; thehandle member being positioned with the peripheral rim section disposedproximate the media, relative to the central handle bridge. 52. A filtercartridge according to characterization 51 wherein: (a) the handlemember is secured to the media by a molded-in-place member. 53. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-52 wherein: (a)the seal arrangement comprises an axial pinch seal having first andsecond, opposite, housing engagement surfaces; and, (b) the second pinchseal housing engagement surface is positioned on a portion of the pinchseal arrangement spaced from the media by a receiver space. 54. A filtercartridge according to characterization 53 wherein: (a) the receiverspace extends completely, peripherally, around the media. 55. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 53 and 54 wherein:(a) a radially inner surface of the axial pinch seal arrangement inalignment with, and surrounding, the receiver space is contoured inextension toward the second pinch seal housing engagement surface. 56. Afilter cartridge according to characterization 55 wherein: (a) theradially inner surface of the pinch seal arrangement has a first slantedsection that slants away from the media, as it extends toward the secondpinch seal housing engagement surface.57. A filter cartridge according to characterization 56 wherein: (a) theradially inner surface of the pinch seal arrangement has a secondsection positioned adjacent the first slanted section that extendstoward the second pinch seal housing engagement surface at a differentangle, relative to the media, then the first slanted section. 58. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-57 wherein:(a) the seal arrangement comprises a portion molded-in-place. 59. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-58 wherein:(a) the housing seal arrangement includes a portion molded directly tothe filter media. 60. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-59 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises aportion molded directly to the filter media at a location adjacent thefirst flow end. 61. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-60 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises aportion molded-in-place on a seal support. 62. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-61 wherein: (a) the sealarrangement comprises a portion molded-in-place on a seal support; (i)the seal support having a plurality of apertures therethrough, thoroughwith portions of the molded-in-place portion extend. 63. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-62 including: (a)a preformed shell surrounding the media and extending over at least aportion of an axial length of the media. 64. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-63 including: (a) apreformed shell surrounding the media and extending over at least 80% ofan axial length of the media.65. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 63 and64 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises a portion molded-in-placeon a pinch seal support; and (b) the seal support is integral with thepreformed shell. 66. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 63-65 wherein: (a) the preformed shell includes an endgrid adjacent, and in at least partial extension across, the second flowend. 67. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-66 including: (a) a receiver projection extending from the second flowend of the media to a location surrounded by media. 68. A filtercartridge according to characterization 67 wherein: (a) the receiverprojection defines a receiver recess projecting into the media from thesecond flow end. 69. A filter cartridge according to each one ofcharacterizations 67 and 68 wherein: (a) the receiver projection isintegral with a support that includes a shell surrounding the mediapack. 70. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-69 including: (a) a shell positioned around the media pack; the shellhaving an end with the first flow end of the media extending outwardlytherefrom. 71. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-70 including: (a) a handle arrangement having atleast one handle member comprising molded-in-place material on a handlesupport. 72. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-71 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises apre-formed gasket member positioned around the filter media. 73. Afilter cartridge according to characterization 72 including: (a) apreformed seal support having a pressure surface positioned surroundingthe filter media and secured thereto; (i) the preformed gasket memberbeing positioned to be pressed by the pressure surface of the preformedseal support when the filter cartridge is positioned for use.74. A filter cartridge according to characterization 73 wherein: (a) apreformed gasket member comprises a flexible lip positioned to flexrelative to the pressure surface. 75. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 74 wherein: (a) the preformed gasket includes a firstlateral flange adjacent the pressure surface. 76. A filter cartridgeaccording to characterization 75 wherein: (a) the preformed gasket has asecond lateral flange spaced from the first lateral flange. 77. A filtercartridge according to characterization 76 wherein: (a) the secondlateral flange is thicker than the first lateral flange. 78. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 72-77 wherein: (a)the preformed gasket member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. 79. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 72-79wherein: (a) the seal arrangement comprises a peripheral pinch sealgasket surrounding the media. 80. A filter cartridge according to anyone of characterizations 1-79 wherein: (a) the media has a non-circularouter periphery with a cross-section having a ratio of a long dimensionto a short dimension of at least 1.3:1. 81. A filter cartridge accordingto any one of characterizations 1-80 wherein: (a) the media has anon-circular outer periphery with a cross-section having a ratio of along dimension to a short dimension within the range of 1.3:1 to 5:1,inclusive.82. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-81wherein: (a) the media has a non-circular outer periphery with across-section having a ratio of a long dimension to a short dimensionwithin the range of 1.5:1 to 3.5:1, inclusive. 83. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-82 wherein: (a) the firstaxial seal housing engagement surface includes a flat portion extendingover at least 10% of the perimeter of the media. 84. A filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-83 wherein: (a) the firstaxial seal housing engagement surface includes a flat portion extendingaround at least 20% of the perimeter of the media. 85. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-84 wherein: (a) anouter peripheral perimeter edge surface of the seal arrangement has atleast one recess at least 1 mm deep therein, in a direction toward themedia. 86. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-84 wherein: (a) an outer peripheral edge surface of the sealarrangement has a plurality of recesses, each at least 1 mm deep in adirection toward the media. 87. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-86 wherein: (a) an outer peripheral edge surfaceof the seal arrangement has at least one recess having a depth of atleast 2 mm therein, in a direction toward the media.88. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-87wherein: (a) an outer peripheral surface of the seal arrangement has aplurality of recesses each having a depth of at least 2 mm in adirection toward the media. 89. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-88 wherein: (a) at least one axial projectionengagement surface includes a plurality of projections therein; (i) eachaxial projection extending axially at least 2 mm from an adjacentportion of the first axial seal housing engagement surface. 90. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-89 wherein: (a)the first axial seal housing engagement surface includes a plurality ofprojections therein; (i) at least two of the projections extendingaxially at least 2 mm from an adjacent portion of the first axial sealhousing engagement surface. 91. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-90 wherein: (a) the first axial seal housingengagement surface includes a plurality of projections therein; (i) atleast two of the projections extending axially at least 3 mm from anadjacent portion of the first axial seal housing engagement surface. 92.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-91wherein: (a) the first axial seal housing engagement surface includes atleast two step transition sections therein, each extending as an anglewith the range of 35° to 85° inclusive, relative to a planeperpendicular to a direction between the flow ends. 93. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-92 wherein: (a)the first axial seal housing engagement surface includes at least twostep transition sections therein, each extending as an angle with therange of 40° to 80° inclusive, relative to a plane perpendicular to adirection between the flow ends. 94. A filter cartridge according to anyone of characterizations 1-93 wherein: (a) an outer peripheral edgesurface of the first axial seal arrangement includes a portion taperingtoward the media pack in extension in a direction from a first pinchseal housing engagement surface toward a second pinch seal housingengagement surface.95. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-94wherein: (a) the first housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises a stepped projection member having opposite end transitionportions each with a radius within the range of 2-10 mm, inclusive. 96.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-95wherein: (a) the first housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises a stepped projection member having opposite end transitionportions each with a radius within the range of 4-8 mm, inclusive. 97. Afilter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-96 wherein:(a) the first housing engagement projection/recess member comprises astepped projection member having opposite end transition portions eachwith a radius of at least 8 mm. 98. A filter cartridge according to anyone of characterizations 1-97 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement includesa peripheral, perimeter, edge surface having a first member of aperipheral edge projection/recess contour therein; (i) the first memberof the peripheral edge projection/recess contour comprising at least oneedge recess member; each edge recess member extending between oppositeend transition portions; each end portion having a radius within therange of 2-6 mm, inclusive. 99. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-98 wherein: (a) the first housing engagementprojection/recess member comprises at least a first portion with a firstcontour projection of maximum extension; (i) the first portion having aflow direction cross dimensional area of A1; (b) the housing sealarrangement as a non-contoured second portion; (i) the second portionhaving a flow direction cross-dimensional area of A2; (ii) A1 beingsubstantially similar to A2.100. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-99wherein: (a) the first housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises at least a first portion with a first contour projection ofmaximum extension; (i) the first portion having a flow direction crossdimensional area of A1; (b) the housing seal arrangement as anon-contoured second portion; (i) the second portion having a flowdirection cross-dimensional area of A2; (ii) wherein A1=0.92-1.08 A2101. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-100wherein: (a) the first housing engagement projection/recess membercomprises at least a first portion with a first contour projection ofmaximum extension; (i) the first portion having a flow direction crossdimensional area of A1; (b) the housing seal arrangement as anon-contoured second portion; (i) the second portion having a flowdirection cross-dimensional area of A2; (ii) wherein A1=0.95-1.05 A2.102. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-101wherein: (a) the media is fluted in extension in a direction between thefirst and second flow ends. 103. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 1-102 wherein: (a) the media comprises fluted mediasecured to facing media. 104. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-103 wherein: (a) the media comprises a coiledarrangement of fluted media secured to facing media. 105. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-104 wherein: (a)the media comprises a stack of strips of fluted media secured to facingmedia. 106. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-105 wherein: (a) the media comprises pleats having pleat tips thatextend in a direction between the first and second flow ends.107. A filter cartridge according to characterization 106 wherein: (a)the media comprises a first pleated media coil surrounding a secondpleated media coil. 108. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-107 wherein: (a) the media has a non-circular outerperiphery. 109. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-108 wherein: (a) the media has an oval outerperiphery. 110. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 1-109 wherein: (a) the media has a generallyrectangular outer periphery. 111. A filter cartridge according to anyone of characterizations 1-110 wherein: (a) the media has an outerperiphery with at least one straight side section extending over adistance of at least 40 mm. 112. A filter cartridge in accord with anyone of characterizations 1-111 wherein: (a) the media has an oval outerperiphery with two, opposite, straight sides and two, opposite, curvedends. 113. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-112 wherein: (a) the first flow end of the cartridge is an inlet flowend; (b) the seal arrangement is positioned adjacent the inlet flow end;and, (c) the first axial seal housing engagement surface faces in adirection toward the second flow end of the cartridge. 114. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-113 wherein: (a)the first flow end is generally planar; and, (b) the seal arrangement isgenerally positioned in a plane parallel to the first flow end.115. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-114wherein: (a) an outer peripheral, perimeter, edge surface of the pinchseal arrangement is peripherally radially asymmetric around a centralaxis. 116. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations1-115 wherein: (a) the housing axial engagement surface member isperipherally radially asymmetric around a central axis. 117. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-115 wherein: (a)the seal arrangement is configured with 180° rotational symmetry inextension around a central axis. 118. A filter cartridge according toany one of characterizations 1-115 wherein: (a) the seal arrangement hasa long cross-dimension and a short cross-dimension; and, (b) the sealarrangement is configured with a long dimension plane of symmetry. 119.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 1-115wherein: (a) the seal arrangement has a long cross-dimension and a shortcross-dimension; and, (b) the seal arrangement is configured with ashort dimension plane of symmetry. 120. A filter cartridge according toany one of characterizations 1-115 wherein: (a) the seal arrangementdoes not have 180° rotational, symmetry in extension around a centralaxis.121. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) filter media comprising firstand second flow ends, with media ridges extending therebetween; and, (b)a seal arrangement having: an outer peripheral, perimeter, edge; and, afirst, axial seal housing engagement surface; (i) the peripheral,perimeter, edge being a contoured surface that is asymmetrical inextension around a central axis. 122. A filter cartridge according tocharacterization 121 wherein: (a) the first axial seal housingengagement surface is a contoured surface that is asymmetrical inextension around a central axis.123. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with flutes or pleat tips extendingtherebetween; and, (b) a housing seal arrangement having: an outerperipheral, perimeter, edge; and, a first axial seal housing engagementsurface; (i) the first axial seal housing engagement surface being acontoured surface that is asymmetrical in extension around a centralaxis. 124. A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations121-123 wherein: (a) the cartridge is otherwise in accord with any oneof characterizations 1-114.125. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) filter media comprising firstand second flow ends, with media having flutes or pleat tips extendingtherebetween; and, (b) a seal arrangement having: an outer peripheral,perimeter, edge; and, a first, axial seal housing engagement surface;(i) the peripheral, perimeter, edge being a contoured surface that has180° rotational symmetry in extension around a central axis. 126. Afilter cartridge according to characterization 125 wherein: (a) thefirst axial seal housing engagement surface is a contoured surface thathas 180° symmetry in extension around a central axis.127. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with flutes or pleat tips extendingtherebetween; and, (b) a housing seal arrangement having: an outerperipheral, perimeter, edge; and, a first axial seal housing engagementsurface; (i) the first axial seal housing engagement surface being acontoured surface that has 180° rotational symmetry in extension arounda central axis. 128. A filter cartridge according to any one ofcharacterizations 125-127 wherein: (a) the cartridge is otherwise inaccord with any one of characterizations 1-114.129. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) first and second, opposite, flowends; (b) filter media positioned to filter fluid flow between the firstand second, opposite, flow ends; and, (c) a seal arrangement having afirst axial seal housing engagement surface configured to form, in use,a seal against a housing section with the axial seal housing engagementsurface being contoured to provide a non-contoured section in a firstplane, and a contoured section having a portion in a second plane,parallel to the first plane, and spaced therefrom by a distance of atleast 2 mm. 130. A filter cartridge according to characterization 129wherein: (a) the axial seal housing engagement surface is contoured toform, in use, a seal against a housing section with the axial sealhousing engagement surface being contoured to provide a non-contouredsection in a first plane, and a contoured section having a portion in asecond plane, parallel to the first plane, and spaced therefrom by adistance of at least 5 mm. 131. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 129-130 wherein: (a) the axial seal housingengagement surface is contoured to form, in use, a seal against ahousing section with the axial seal housing engagement surface beingcontoured to provide a non-contoured section in a first plane, and acontoured section having a portion in a second plane, parallel to thefirst plane, and spaced therefrom by a distance of at least 10 mm. 132.A filter cartridge according to any one of characterizations 129-131wherein: (a) the axial seal housing engagement surface is contoured toform, in use, a seal against a housing section with the axial sealhousing engagement surface being contoured to provide a non-contouredsection in a first plane, and a contoured section having a portion in asecond plane, parallel to the first plane, and spaced therefrom by adistance of at least 20 mm. 133. A filter cartridge according to any oneof characterizations 129-132 wherein: (a) the cartridge is also inaccord with any one of characterizations 1-128.134. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends; with media extending therebetween; (i) themedia including flutes extending between flow ends; and, (b) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) the outerperipheral surface having a first member of a projection/recess contourtherein; and, (ii) at least one of the first and second, opposite, pinchseal housing engagement surfaces being a contoured seal surface with atleast one housing engagement projection/recess member therein.135. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with media extending therebetween; (i) themedia including flutes extending between the flow ends; and, (c) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) the secondone of the first and second, opposite, pinch seal housing engagementsurfaces being a contoured housing engagement surface; and (ii) thefirst one of the first and second, opposite, pinch seal housingengagement surfaces having a peripherally continuous pressure flangeengagement section that is not contoured as a mirror image of thecontoured housing engagement surface of the second pinch seal housingengagement surface.136. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with media extending therebetween; (i) themedia including flutes extending between the flow ends; and, (c) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) theperipheral surface having a first member of a projection/recess contourtherein; and (ii) a distance between the first and second, opposite,pinch seal housing engagement surfaces being at least 5 mm and not morethan 50 mm; and (iii) the first member of a projection/recess contourhaving a maximum contour relief of at least 1 mm and not more than 10mm.137. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with media extending therebetween; (i) themedia including flutes extending between the flow ends; and, (b) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) theperipheral surface being a contoured surface that is asymmetrical inextension around a central axis.138. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filter media pack comprisingfirst and second flow ends, with media extending therebetween; (i) themedia including flutes extending between the flow ends; and, (b) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces; (i) at leastone of the first and second, opposite, pinch seal housing engagementsurfaces being a contoured surface that is asymmetrical in extensionaround a central axis.139. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) filter media pack comprisingfirst and second, opposite, flow ends with media extending therebetween;(i) the media including flutes extending between flow ends; (b) a pinchseal arrangement having: an outer peripheral surface; and, a pinch sealhousing engagement surface; and, (c) a handle arrangement comprising aperipheral handle arrangement comprising at least two, spaced, handleprojections positioned adjacent peripherally opposite portions of themedia.140. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) filter media pack comprisingfirst and second, opposite, flow ends with media extending therebetween;(i) the media including flutes extending between flow ends; (b) a pinchseal arrangement positioned adjacent the first flow end and having: anouter peripheral surface; and, a pinch seal housing engagement surface;and, (c) a handle arrangement comprising a handle member including acentral handle bridge positioned at a first flow end of the media withthe bridge extending over the media with no portion of the handletherebetween; (i) the handle member including a peripheral rim sectiondisposed proximate the media, relative to the central handle bridge.141. A filter cartridge according to characterization 140 wherein: (a)the pinch seal arrangement includes a molded-in-place portion; and, (b)the handle member is secured to the media by the molded-in-placeportion. Typically and preferably the filter cartridge is in accord withcharacterizations 140 or 141, wherein the handle member includes noportion surrounded by the media, also preferably the cartridge includesno radially directed seal adjacent the first flow end. 142. A filtercartridge according to any one of characterizations 134-141 that isotherwise in accord with any one of characterizations 1-114. 143. An aircleaner assembly comprising: (a) a housing having a first housingsection and a second housing section; and, (b) a filter cartridgeaccording to any one of characterizations 1-142 positioned within thehousing with an axial seal housing engagement surface biased against onehousing section by the other housing section. 144. An air cleanerassembly according to characterization 143 wherein: (a) the secondhousing section includes a housing seal surface surround by a peripheralflange. 145. An air cleaner assembly according to characterization 144wherein: (a) the housing seal surface includes at least one peripherallydiscontinuous projection/recess contour member therein; and (b) theaxial seal housing engagement surface includes at least one housingprojection/recess contour member in sealing engagement with theprojection/recess contour member on the housing seal surface. 146. Anair cleaner assembly according to characterization 145 wherein: (a) thehousing seal surface includes at least one stepped recess therein. 147.An air cleaner assembly according to characterization 146 wherein: (a)the housing seal surface includes at least two stepped recesses therein.148. An air cleaner assembly according to characterizations 142-147wherein: (a) the peripheral flange on the second housing sectionincludes at least a second member of a peripheral, perimeter, edgeprojection/recess contour arrangement positioned in engagement with afirst member of a peripheral, perimeter, projection/recess contourarrangement on an outer peripheral, perimeter, edge of a seal member thehousing seal arrangement on the cartridge. 149. An air cleaner assemblyaccording to characterization 148 wherein: (a) the second member of aperipheral, perimeter, edge projection/recess contour arrangementcomprises at least one projection on the housing extending toward themedia; and (b) the first member of a peripheral, perimeter, edgeprojection/recess contour arrangement comprises at least one recessextending toward the media. 150. An air cleaner assembly according tocharacterization 149 wherein: (a) the second member of a peripheral,perimeter, edge projection/recess contour arrangement comprises at leasttwo projections on the housing extending toward the media; and (b) thesecond member of a peripheral, perimeter, projection/recess contourarrangement comprises at least two recesses an the seal member extendingtoward the media. 151. An air cleaner assembly according to any ofcharacterizations 143-150 wherein: (a) the second housing sectionincludes a seal trough surrounded by the peripheral flange andsurrounding an inner flange; (i) the seal trough including the sealcompression surface extending between the peripheral flange and theinner flange. 152. An air cleaner housing according to any one ofcharacterizations 143-151 wherein: (a) the housing seal surface on thesecond housing section includes a seal rib projection therein. 153. Anair cleaner assembly according to any one of characterizations 151 and152 wherein: (a) the housing seal arrangement includes a portion thatprojects into the seal trough; and; (b) the inner flange projects into areceiving recess located between the portion of the housing sealarrangement and the media. 154. An air cleaner assembly according to anyone of characterizations 142-153 wherein: (a) the filter cartridgehousing seal arrangement is configured so that it engages the housing ina sealing manner, in only a single rotational configuration relative toa central axis. 155. An air cleaner assembly according to any one ofcharacterizations 142-153 wherein: (a) the filter cartridge housing sealarrangement is configured to engage the housing in a sealing manner, inany of a plurality of rotational configurations relative to a centralaxis. 156. An air cleaner assembly according to any one ofcharacterizations 142-155 wherein: (a) the housing comprises an accesscover section having a pressure flange thereon; and, (b) the housingincludes a base section having a sealing surface thereon; (i) thepressure flange being positioned on a portion of the access coversection that projects into the base section, when the cartridge issealed in position. 157. An air cleaner assembly according to any one ofcharacterizations 142-156 wherein: (a) the housing comprises an accesscover section having a pressure flange thereon; and, (b) the housingincludes a base section having a sealing surface thereon; (i) thepressure flange being positioned on a portion of the access coversection that projects at least 50 mm into the base section, when thecartridge is sealed in position.158. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of characterizations142-157 wherein: (a) the housing comprises an access cover sectionhaving a pressure flange thereon; and, (b) the housing includes a basesection having a sealing surface thereon; (i) the preform flange beingpositioned on a portion of the access cover section that projects atleast 60 mm into the base section, when the cartridge is sealed inposition. 159. An air cleaner assembly according to any one ofcharacterizations 142-158 wherein: (a) the housing has a base sectionwith a housing flow inlet arrangement and a housing flow outletarrangement thereon; (i) the housing flow inlet arrangement being a sideinlet. 160. An air cleaner assembly according to characterization 159wherein: (a) the housing access cover includes a flow directing surfacethereon oriented to turn flow from the side inlet toward the cartridge.161. An air cleaner assembly according to any one of characterizations159 and 160 wherein: (a) the housing access cover includes an arcuate,curved, flow directing surface thereon oriented to turn flow from theside inlet toward the cartridge.162. A housing for an air cleaner; the housing comprising: (a) a housinghaving a first housing section and a second housing section; (i) thesecond housing section including a seal compression surface surroundedby an outer peripheral flange; and, (ii) the seal compression surfaceincluding at least one peripherally discontinuous projection/recessmember therein. 163. A housing according to characterizations 162wherein: (a) the outer peripheral flange including an inner surfacehaving one member of a projection/recess contour therein; and,164. A housing according to any characterization 163 wherein: (a) theouter peripheral flange inner surface includes a projection thereon,extending inwardly. 165. A housing according to any one ofcharacterizations 161-164 wherein: (a) the outer peripheral flangeincludes multiple, spaced, projections thereon. 166. A housing accordingto any one of characterizations 161-165 wherein: (a) the sealcompression surface includes a plurality of peripherally spaced recessestherein. 167. A housing according to any one of c characterizations161-166 wherein: (a) the second housing section includes an inner flangespaced from the outer flange by the seal compression surface. 168. Ahousing according to any one of characterizations 161-167 wherein: (a)the seal compression surface includes a seal rib. 169. A housingaccording to any one of characterizations 161-168 wherein: (a) the atleast one projection/recess member comprises a peripherallydiscontinuous recess at least 1 mm deep relative to adjacent portions ofthe seal compression surface. 170. A housing according to any one ofcharacterizations 161-169 wherein: (a) the at least oneprojection/recess member comprises a step recess with transition endsextending at an angle within the range of 35° to 85°, inclusive,relative to a plane of adjacent portions of the seal compressionsurface. 171. A housing according to any one of characterizations161-170 wherein: (a) the at least one projection/recess member comprisesa step recess with transition ends extending at an angle within therange of 40° to 80°, inclusive, relative to a plane of adjacent portionsof the seal compression surface. 172. A housing according to any one ofcharacterizations 161-171 wherein: (a) the at least oneprojection/recess member comprises a step recess with transition endsextending at an angle of 45° to 75° inclusive relative to a plane of theadjacent portions of seal compression surface.173. A housing for an air cleaner; the housing comprising: (a) a housinghaving a first housing section and a second housing section; (i) thesecond housing section including a seal compression surface surroundedby an outer peripheral flange; (ii) at least one of the inner surface ofthe inner flange and seal compression surface being asymmetric around acentral axis. 174. A housing according to characterization 173 wherein:(a) the outer peripheral flange has at least one projection on the innersurface. 175. A housing according to any one of characterizations 173and 174 wherein: (a) the seal compression surface has at least onerecess therein, projecting away from adjacent portion of the sealcompression surface. 176. A housing according to any one ofcharacterizations 173-175 wherein: (a) the housing is otherwise inaccord with any one of characterization 161-172.177. An air cleaner assembly including: (a) a housing in accord with anyone of characterizations 157-175; and (b) a cartridge in accord with anyone of characterizations 1-114 installed in the housing. 178. An aircleaner assembly according to characterizations 177 wherein: (a) the aircleaner assembly is also in accord with any one of characterizations143-161.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A filter cartridge comprising: (a) a filtermedia pack comprising first and second, opposite, flow ends with mediaextending therebetween; and, (b) a pinch seal arrangement having: anouter peripheral surface; and, first and second, opposite, pinch sealhousing engagement surfaces; (i) the outer peripheral surface having afirst member of a projection/recess contour therein; (A) the firstmember of a projection/recess contour, in the outer peripheral surface,including a first recess contour at least 1 mm deep and having astraight edge surface section extending over a peripheral, perimeter,distance of at least 5 mm; and, (ii) at least one of the first andsecond, opposite, pinch seal housing engagement surfaces being acontoured seal surface with at least one housing engagementprojection/recess member therein; (A) the at least one housingengagement projection/recess member on the contoured seal surfacecomprising at least one projection extending over a peripheral length ofat least 5 mm.
 2. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:(a) the at least one housing engagement projection/recess member on thecontoured seal surface comprising at least one projection having aportion extending, without axial contouring therein, over a peripherallength of at least 5 mm.
 3. An air filter cartridge according to claim 2wherein: (a) the at least one housing engagement member on the contouredseal surface includes a flat surface portion extending over a peripheraldistance of at least 10 mm in a plane perpendicular to a directionbetween the media pack first and second ends.
 4. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the at least one projection on thecontoured seal surface includes first and second opposite transitionregions extending away from adjacent portions of the second housingengagement surface, each at an angle within the range of 15° to 75°,inclusive, relative to a plane perpendicular to a direction between theflow ends.
 5. An air filter cartridge according to claim 4 wherein: (a)each one of the first and second, opposite, transition regions includesa straight transition section.
 6. An air filter cartridge according toclaim 5 wherein: (a) each transition region engages an adjacent portionof the second housing engagement surface at a region having a radius ofat least 2 mm.
 7. An air filter cartridge according to claim 6 wherein:(a) each transition region engages an adjacent portion of the secondhousing engagement surface at a region having a radius within the rangeof 2-10 mm, inclusive.
 8. An air filter cartridge according to claim 4wherein: (a) the at least one projection includes opposite transitionregions extending away from adjacent portions of the second housingengagement surface, each at an angle within the range of 30°-70°,inclusive, relative to a plane perpendicular to a direction between theflow ends.
 9. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a)the at least one projection extends at least 8 mm in maximum relief froman adjacent portion of the second housing seal surface.
 10. An airfilter cartridge according to claim 9 wherein: (a) the at least oneprojection extends at an amount within the range of 10-60 mm, inclusive,in maximum relief from an adjacent portion of the second housing sealsurface.
 11. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) apreformed shell surrounding the media and extending over at least aportion of an axial length of the media; (i) the preformed shellincluding a pinch seal support; and, (ii) a portion of the pinch sealarrangement being molded-in-place on the pinch seal support.
 12. An airfilter cartridge according to claim 11 wherein: (a) the second pinchseal housing engagement surface including a portion spaced from themedia by a receiver space.
 13. An air filter cartridge according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the media pack comprises a coiled arrangement offluted media secured to facing media.
 14. An air filter cartridgeaccording to claim 13 wherein: (a) the media pack has a circular outerperimeter.
 15. An air filter cartridge according to claim 13 wherein:(a) the media pack has an oval outer perimeter.
 16. An air filtercartridge according to claim 1 including: (a) a handle member includinga central handle bridge positioned at the first flow end of thecartridge.
 17. An air filter cartridge according to claim 16 wherein:(a) the handle member is secured to a remainder of the cartridge by amolded-in-place member that includes the pinch seal arrangement.
 18. Anair filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the sealarrangement is configured with 180° rotational symmetry in extensionaround a central axis.
 19. An air filter cartridge according to claim 1wherein: (a) the first flow end is an inlet flow end; (b) the secondflow end is an outlet flow end; and, (c) the at least one projection ispositioned to project toward the outlet flow end.
 20. An air cleanerassembly comprising: (a) a housing having a first housing section and asecond housing section; and, (b) a filter cartridge according to claim 1positioned within the housing with the second pinch seal housingengagement surface biased against one housing section by the otherhousing section.